CHICAGO - Sept. 30, 2020 - The family and legal team of Paul Rusesabagina will hold a press conference on Thursday morning at 10:30 am E.D.T (Washington, DC time). Rusesabagina, the international human rights icon whose incredible story of saving 1,268 people during the Rwandan Genocide was told in the film Hotel Rwanda, was kidnapped from Dubai and is being detained illegally in Rwanda. Thursday will mark one month since Rusesabagina was captured, and his family and legal team will present updates on his case to urge people to act.
Rusesabagina is a beloved hero to many. He is a Belgian citizen, US resident, and has been honored across the world for his continued advocacy, including by being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. His kidnapping and detainment have sparked international outcry and concern from human rights observers, including from the American Bar Association and the Clooney Foundation For Justice. While being held in Rwanda, he has been subjected to a corrupt trial on false terror charges. The oppressive Rwandan regime has a history of setting up or even "disappearing" activists and opponents. The regime has denied him access to his international counsel, forced him to use government-appointed lawyers, supervised all interactions, and is holding him without bail.
His family continues to be incredibly concerned about the blatantly illegal circumstances of his detention and for his health. Paul is a cancer patient in remission and has cardiovascular health issues that require daily medication. He appears visibly ill and has not been allowed to access an examination from the Red Cross. In light of this, Rusesabagina's legal team and loved ones would like to use the one month anniversary of his detention to share updates about the status of his case and new efforts to secure his release.
To RSVP for the press conference and receive a zoom link, please click here (mailto:kittykurth@me.com) and ask for the the link for the press conference.
The press conference will be held webinar style on Zoom and will also broadcast on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FreePaulRusesabagina) and Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/kurthlampeworldwide).
Website: www.hrrfoundation.com
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Kitty Kurth
