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Rwanda's President Says 'Hotel Rwanda' Hero Must Stand Trial

Associated Press

   KIGALI, RWANDA - Rwanda's president says that the man portrayed as a
   hero in the film "Hotel Rwanda" will stand trial for allegedly
   supporting rebel violence.

   President Paul Kagame, appearing on national television Sunday, did not
   explain how Paul Rusesabagina was brought to Rwanda where he has been
   held in custody for more than a week.

   Rusesabagina is credited with saving 1,200 lives during Rwanda's 1994
   genocide by letting people shelter in the hotel he was managing during
   the mass killings. Now he is accused of supporting rebel violence in
   Rwanda and his family and supporters complain that they have not been
   able to speak to him and that he has not had access to a lawyer.

   "Rusesabagina heads a group of terrorists that have killed Rwandans. He
   will have to pay for these crimes.," said Kagame on a broadcast in
   which he was asked questions by some local and foreign journalists and
   viewers. "Rusesabagina has the blood of Rwandans on his hands."

   He said Rusesabagina's trial will be held openly and conducted fairly.

   "We are obligated to do this," said Kagame. "We want to do things in a
   right way."

   Kagame did not explain how Rusesabagina, who had lived outside Rwanda
   since 1996 and is a citizen of Belgium and has a U.S. permanent
   residence permit, turned up in Rwanda last week but suggested that he
   came of his own accord.

   "What if someone told you that he brought himself -- even if he may not
   have intended it? You will be surprised how he got here. He was not
   kidnapped or hoodwinked. His coming to Rwanda has more to do with
   himself than anybody else," said Kagame.

   Kagame suggested that Rusesabagina was told a story that fit into his
   expectations and ended up in Rwanda. "There was no kidnap in the
   process of bringing Rusesabagina here. It was actually flawless!" said
   Kagame. "When the timecomeshe will tell the storyhimselfbut he led
   himself here."

   Kagame said others were Rusesabagina's accomplices in alleged violent
   activities and have already been arrested and are facing trial in
   Kigali, Rwanda's capital.

   Rusesabagina's family and supporters, however, say Rwandan authorities
   have denied him access to a lawyer nearly a week after the outspoken
   government critic was paraded in handcuffs and accused of terrorism.

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