Belgium considers that Mr. Rusesabagina did not receive a fair and due process

On Monday September 20th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmès was informed of the verdict in the trial of Mr. Rusesabagina in Kigali. At the end of this judicial procedure – and despite repeated calls by Belgium – it has to be concluded that Mr Rusesabagina did not receive a fair and due trial, in particular with regards to the rights of defence. The presumption of innocence was not respected either. These elements de facto call into question the trial and the verdict.

A meeting with the Rwandan minister, Vincent Biruta, is planned for this week in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

In the meantime, Belgium remains in close contact with Mr Rusesabagina.