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Burkina Faso trial starts over student’s death in police custody that led to months of unrest
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Hundreds of students in Burkina Faso crowded into a courtroom to watch a trial over a student’s death that sparked months of protests that left at least six dead.
Three policemen on Monday faced charges of aggravated as…
Hundreds of students in Burkina Faso crowded into a courtroom to watch a trial over a student’s death that sparked months of protests that left at least six dead.
Three policemen on Monday faced charges of aggravated assault over Justin Zongo’s death in police custody in February.
This year’s uprisings in the West African nation began in late February when students in Koudougou protested over accusations that Zongo had been mistreated while in custody. The government said he had meningitis.
The unrest spread across Burkina Faso. Soldiers started a mutiny that threatened President Blaise Compaore’s 24-year rule. Compaore tried to stem the unrest by dissolving the government and removing the country’s security chiefs. Experts say hostilities in Burkina Faso have been simmering for a long time.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.