(MENAFN) Paul Rusesabagina, an outspoken critic of Rwanda's President Paul Kagame's government, was released on Friday from prison where he had been serving a 25-year sentence on terrorism charges. The release of Mr Rusesabagina, who was celebrated as a hero for his actions during the genocide that engulfed Rwanda in 1994, came about after the Biden administration prodded Kagame's government, according to senior US officials who spoke to reporters.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had made a series of calls leading up to the release, the officials said. The US had made it clear to authorities in Kigali that Mr Rusesabagina's incarceration, which had been condemned by many countries, was a hindrance to relations. Mr Rusesabagina has denied any wrongdoing.
After leaving prison, Mr Rusesabagina was taken to the Qatari Embassy in Kigali, the capital. His sentence was commuted by presidential order after a request for clemency, according to government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo. Hundreds of other people, including 19 members of the same opposition group to which Mr Rusesabagina belonged, also had their sentences commuted.
President Joe Biden applauded Mr Rusesabagina's release and said in a statement on Friday night that "his family is eager to welcome him back to the United States." "I add my gratitude to those across the US government who have worked with the government of Rwanda to achieve today's happy outcome," Mr Biden added.
The release of Mr Rusesabagina highlights the ongoing tensions between the Kagame government and its critics, and underscores the importance of continued efforts to promote human rights and democratic values in the region. It also points to the role that the US can play in advocating for the release of political prisoners and in promoting international norms and standards for justice and fair treatment under the law.
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