Rwanda's government commutes sentence of Paul Rusesabagina who inspired film 'Hotel Rwanda'

The Rwanda government on Friday said it has commuted the sentence of Paul Rusesabagina, who was the inspiration for the film "Hotel Rwanda" about his saving hundreds of countrymen from genocide.

He was convicted of terrorism offenses years later.

Rwanada government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo told The Associated Press that the 25-year sentence was commuted by presidential order after a request was made for clemency.

Rusesabagina is expected to be released Saturday, Makolo also said. 

She also noted the U.S. and Qatar governments' efforts in facilitating Rusesabagina's release.

Rusesabagina was arrested in 2020 after returning from a visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirate. 

His family alleges that he was kidnapped and taken to Rwanda against his will to stand trial.