Rusesabagina, who achieved fame through the film Hotel Rwanda, wore a prison issue pink shirt as he appeared in court, where he faces nine charges, including forming an illegal armed group, being a member of a terrorist group and sponsoring terrorism.

His family says the critic of President Paul Kagame is in poor health on that his trial is a sham.

Rwanda's government says he has fermented violence on directed deadly attacks on its territory from exile.

During pretrial hearings, Rusesabagina said he had been abducted while visiting to buy last year on forcibly returned to Rwanda.

His lawyer argued that the court does not have jurisdiction.

E would like to insist on the fact that Rusesabagina is in Rwanda illegally.

He did not come following an extradition.

Hey didn't even come of his own free will.

He found himself in Rhonda against his will.