The trial of Paul Rusesabagina, whose actions inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda,” began Wednesday in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Rusesabagina saved hundreds of lives by providing shelter to people at the hotel where he worked as a manager. These actions inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda,” and Rusesabagina was awarded several human rights awards for his actions.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau arrested Rusesabagina in late August on offenses related to terrorism, arson, kidnap and murder. Rusesabagina claimed that he was abducted while on a trip to Dubai and forcibly brought back to Rwanda. His crimes were allegedly committed in 2018 against Rwandans in Nyabimata, Nyaruguru District, and in Nyungwe, Nyamagabe District.

He declined to plead to all 13 charges facing him in September, although he told the court that he had contributed 20,000 euros to the militant wing National Liberation Front (FLN). His family asked the US, the EU and Belgium to help appeal for Rusesabagina’s release, but a Rwandan court extended his detention and denied him bail in late October.

The trial began Wednesday. Rusesabagina’s lawyer said the court lacked jurisdiction to try Rusesabagina, as Rusesabagina acquired Belgian citizenship and was no longer a Rwandan citizen. Judge Antoine Muhima is to rule on the court’s jurisdiction on February 26.

Rusesabagina claims to have been targeted by Paul Kagame’s government, which is suppressing dissent. The trial has been condemned by various groups, including human rights groups and the European Parliament.