Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement in reaction to the news that Paul Rusesabagina, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree, will be released from prison in Rwanda:

“I join the Rusesabagina family in celebrating the news today that Paul Rusesabagina is among those who had their sentences commuted and will finally regain their freedom. As we look forward to Mr. Rusesabagina’s prompt return to the United States, this is a moment of great relief and reflection as Mr. Rusesabagina’s sham trial and conviction made a mockery of justice, and his wrongful detention had a lasting impact on U.S. policy toward Rwanda.

“The persecution and wrongful imprisonment of political opponents is an intolerable assault to the human rights and values the United States must continue to champion. I commend the Biden administration and the actions of the government of Qatar and all those involved in securing Mr. Rusesabagina’s long overdue release, and call for continued efforts to see to it that all Americans, lawful residents and other political prisoners are freed.”

Chairman Menendez has been a champion in Congress for the U.S. government to secure the release of Paul Rusesabagina, writing directly to the Rwandan government and publicly advocating for Mr. Rusesabagina’s freedom over the years.

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