Belgian police question Hotel Rwanda hero
2011-06-23 21:52
Brussels - The Rwandan man whose actions during the genocide inspired the film Hotel Rwanda was interviewed by Belgian police on Thursday, justice officials said, about his potential involvement with rebel Hutu militia.
Paul Rusesabagina was the assistant manager of Kigali's Hotel des Mille Collines and used his connections to shield hundreds from Hutu killing squads during the six-week genocide in 1994.
Rusesabagina is now an outspoken critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame who led the force that ended the genocide and has been in power since.
He was interviewed by Belgian police following a request from Kigali.
Lieve Pellens, spokesperson for the Belgian federal prosecutor said he was questioned as part of an inquiry led by Rwanda's general prosecutor.
Rwanda intends to prosecute Rusesabagina for "acts aimed at disturbing public order and tranquility", Alain Mukurarinda, spokesperson for Rwanda's prosecutor told national radio in Kigali on Thursday.
Mukurarinda did not specify the exact charges the 56-year-old might Rusesabagina might face.
In October, Rwanda's top prosecutor Martin Ngoga alleged that Rusesabagina actively supported the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu rebel group that includes key perpetrators of the 1994 massacres.
Rwanda has also alleged that Rusesabagina - who is a hero to some Rwandans and considered an imposter by others - had transferred money to the FDLR rebels, who operate from the eastern DRC.
The chief prosecutor claimed the allegation was corroborated by former FDLR commanders, including one who was arrested and subsequently gave evidence to prosecutors.