Family of 'Hotel Rwanda' hero fear for his life

The family of Paul Rusesabagina, the former hotel manager, whose efforts during the 1994 Rwanda genocide helped save hundreds of Tutsis, has called on the international community Thursday to appeal for his release from prison.

Rusesabagina who was portrayed as a hero in the popular Hollywood film 'Hotel Rwanda', has lived in exile in Belgium and the U.S, where he was a prominent critic of Rwandan president Paul Kagame.

He was charged with terrorism and other offences last month after he returned to Rwanda and was arrested

in August.

His family say they fear for his life.

His daughter Carine Kanimba called for help at an online news conference:

"So we are working very closely with the consular office, the Belgian consulate, Belgian embassy in Rwanda. However, we need more action. It hasn't been enough, clearly, and we don't know exactly what the current prison he's in looks like."

His family have alleged he was kidnapped, but Rusesabagina told The New York Times he had been tricked into boarding a private jet he believed was bound for Burundi and then was arrested when it touched down in Rwanda,

He has been denied his choice of defence lawyers, his family said.

American lawyer, Peter Robinson, appointed by Rusesabagina's family with six other lawyers, has called on the U.S, Belgium and the European Union to put pressure on the Rwandan government to free Rusesabagina.

Rwanda has said that his trial will be quick, fair and public. But his family want him freed.