Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

March 24, 2023

I welcome today's release of Paul Rusesabagina by the Government of Rwanda. Paul's family is eager to welcome him back to the United States, and I share their joy at today's good news.

I thank the Rwandan Government for making this reunion possible, and I also thank the Government of Qatar for facilitating Paul's release and return to the United States. I add my gratitude to those across the U.S. Government who have worked with the Government of Rwanda to achieve today's happy outcome.

NOTE: The statement referred to human rights activist Paul Rusesabagina, a Belgian citizen who was arrested on terrorism-related charges by Rwandan authorities in 2020 and received a 25-year prison sentence in 2021.

Categories: Statements by the President : Paul Rusesabagina, release from prison in Rwanda. Names: Rusesabagina, Paul.

Subjects: Qatar, role in release of U.S. permanent resident from prison in Rwanda; Rwanda, release of U.S. permanent resident.

DCPD Number: DCPD202300226.

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