U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the release of "Hotel Rwanda hero" Paul Rusesabagina by the Government of Rwanda on March 24, the State Department announced in a press release.

"I welcome today’s release of Paul Rusesabagina by the Government of Rwanda," Blinken said in his official statement and reiterated in a tweet. "It is a relief to know that Paul is rejoining his family, and the U.S. Government is grateful to the Rwandan Government for making this reunion possible."

Rusesabagina, a U.S. resident and Belgian citizen, is best-known for sheltering hundreds of ethnic Tutsis during Rwanda's 1994 genocide, actions that inspired the 2004 movie "Hotel Rwanda." In September 2021, Rusesabagina was convicted on terrorism charges, including membership in a terrorist group, murder, and abduction, by a Rwanda court and sentenced to 25 years in prison in a trial that human rights advocates described as "retaliation," the Associated Press reported at the time. 

Blinken, in his remarks, also thanked the government of Qatar for its assistance in Ruseabagina’s release and return to the United States. 

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said the State of Qatar facilitated discussions between Qatari and Rwandan officials at the highest levels to bring about this outcome, the Qatar Tribune reported. Al Ansari said that Qatar’s role demonstrates the mutual trust and strong relations between Qatar and its partners in Rwanda and the United States. The spokesperson also emphasized Qatar’s ability to act as a neutral mediator in various issues and disputes through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Blinken said the U.S. "believes in a Rwanda that is peaceful and prosperous."

“We reaffirm the principle of seeking political change in Rwanda and globally through peaceful means," Blinken said in his remarks. "There is simply no place for political violence.  I thank those across the U.S. Government who have worked with the Rwandan Government to enable this outcome."