When you read the story of Paul Rusesabagina, you will find out about his struggle for justice, the plight of the Tutsi refugees in Rwanda, and the Hôtel des Mille Collines. We will also learn about his wife, a Tutsi, and how he and her family protect the Tutsi community in his hotel. The truth behind the story may shock you. We cannot imagine the struggle Paul Rusesabagina has gone through alone in the last decade.
Paul Rusesabagina
Not so long ago, Rusesabagina was toast of America, feted by Oprah Winfrey, awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, and earn handsome speaking fees all over the world. He spoke out against genocide and provided a living example of resistance. But now, he's in prison in a country where his actions are being interpreted as terrorism, murder, and arson.
Hotel Des Milles
The hotel des Mille Collines is Rwanda's most famous landmark. While not the most luxurious, this large property has a history that will be difficult for visitors to forget. During the 1994 genocide, the staff of the Hotel des Milles saved many lives and was the inspiration for the movie Hotel Rwanda. This hotel is also located in the heart of the city, so you can walk to many other places without spending too much time getting there.
Hutu militia
When the Interahamwe, a group of Hutu militiamen, begin to drag machetes across the floor of the hotel in the heart of the Rwandan genocide, Paul and his family are among those targeted. The UN security council has refused to acknowledge genocide in Rwanda, citing a loophole in the law. Meanwhile, Rutaganda gloated over the massacre, sending Paul down the river road adorned with corpses. After the Interahamwe invade the hotel, the Tutsi play dead.
Paul's family
In Hotel Rwanda, the western world abandons the Tutsi people as they are slaughtered by the Hutus. This film portrays the horror of genocide and the courage of the Tutsi people. It is a poignant look at the effects of genocide on the human condition. The story of Paul's family in hotel Rwanda shows the struggle of the Tutsi people to survive amidst the chaos.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is investigating a hotel in Rwanda that was a target of the genocide and the prosecution of its manager, Paul Rusesabagina. Rusesabagina was the manager of a hotel in Kigali that sheltered over 1200 people during the genocide. Rusesabagina has been accused of terrorism and a variety of crimes, including kidnapping and arson. He remains in pretrial detention, awaiting the case filed by the government.
Schindler's List
While a movie like Schindler's List may seem far-fetched, this true story is a bit more grounded. A hotel manager in Rwanda saved 1208 refugees from the Hutus during the 1994 genocide. It was a deeply moving experience that has become a cherished tradition for many people. This film is a tribute to Rusesabagina, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is considered the African Schindler's List.
