Despite the propagandist voices from anti-Rwanda detractors suggesting that the release of Paul Rusesabagina (who was convicted by the Rwanda law courts of involvement in acts of terror against Rwandans) is a consequence of pressure, the gesture instead demonstrates the strength and the highest level of Magnanimity.
After shouting themselves hoarse throughout the arrest and court proceedings to conviction, the detractors are now falling over themselves competing with each other about who will give the most absurd speculation on what really made the President of Rwanda release Rusesabagina, a convicted terrorist.
Most of the detractors, however, seem to fancy the notion of ‘pressure’ as the main reason for the release. But they couldn’t be more wrong because as President Kagame said, no amount of bullying would coerce Rwandans into going against their convictions.
Rusesabagina is not the first convicted criminal to be released through the presidential clemency arrangement. Rwandans are big-hearted and have demonstrated that they can forgive the unforgivable.
Rusesabagina’s should not be construed differently. His release does not at all mean that he is innocent of what he was convicted of. Far from it! And Rwanda’s goodwill must not be construed as a weakness.
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