Paul Rusesabagina, who was portrayed as a hero in the Hollywood film Hotel Rwanda and is serving a 25-year sentence on terrorism charges, will be released after his term was commuted.
He was sentenced in September 2021 over ties to an organisation opposed to Rwanda President Paul Kagame's rule
Historically close ties between the two countries have been strained over the case, and over Rwanda's alleged meddling in Democratic Republic of Congo . He denied all the charges and refused to take part in the trial that he and his supporters called a political sham.Mr Kagame denied any abduction but suggested Mr Rusesabagina had been tricked in Dubai into boarding a plane to Rwanda.
The former hotelier's release may help to ease tensions with the US, which has repeatedly called on Rwanda to cease its support of the M23 armed group and to withdraw its troops from neighbouring Congo. Rwanda denies any involvement in DRC. "Rwanda notes the constructive role of the US government in creating conditions for dialogue on this issue, as well as the facilitation provided by the State of Qatar."
"If I am granted a pardon and released, I understand fully that I will spend the remainder of my days in the United States in quiet reflection," he wrote.
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