Deeply concerned by the fate of Paul Rusesabagina, a Rwandan human rights defender and critic of Mr Kagame’s government, the European Parliament condemned on Thursday 11 February the enforced disappearance from 27 to 31 August 2020, followed by the illegal transfer and incommunicado detention of this Belgian citizen and US resident, who is currently in prison in Kigali and accused of terrorism.
In a resolution adopted by an overwhelming majority (659 votes in favour, 1 against and 35 abstentions), Parliament called for an independent international investigation into the circumstances that led to the human rights defender being arrested in Dubai and forcibly transferred to Kigali on 27 August 2020 and not reappearing until 31 August at the headquarters of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau.
Expressing concern about the violations of Mr Rusesabagina’s rights, and because he is entitled to a fair trial, MEPs urge the Rwandan authorities to allow him a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial Court applying international human rights standards, and to grant him legal counsel of his choice.
Given the state of Mr Rusesabagina’s health, MEPs call on the Rwandan government to guarantee, in all circumstances, his physical integrity and psychological well-being and access to adequate medical treatment. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)