Former Chad President Hissène Habré forced to appear for start of trial in Senegal

An African Union-backed court in Senegal forced former Chadian President Hissène Habré to appear for the start of his trial on on charges of crimes against humanity on Monday, after he denied the legitimacy of the tribunal.

Habré is accused of being responsible for the torture and killing of thousands of people during his 1982-1990 rule in his country.

The trial marks the end of a 15-year battle to bring him to justice in Senegal, where he has lived in exile after being toppled in a coup.

“This is the end of a nightmare and we are moved by a sense of pride,” said Jacqueline Moudeina, lead lawyer for the victims, seated on a bench some 20 meters (66 ft) behind Habré.

“The presence of Habré is therapy for his victims,” Moudeina said. “The fact that he is here and listens to victims speak of all the atrocities they suffered is already a great victory.”

A lawyer close to Habré said he would not address the tribunal and refused to recognize its authority. Members of Habré’s family were in the courtroom but refused to speak to journalists.

The trial marks the first time that a court in one country anywhere in the world has prosecuted the former ruler of another on rights charges, according to Human Rights Watch, which has played a leading role in supporting the victims’ case.

The proceedings, due to last around 3 months, are being heard by a Special African Chamber (CAE) created in 2013 by Senegal and the African Union. Habre faces charges of war crimes, torture and crimes against humanity.

Source: Reuters