Monday, August 18, 2008
Former Chadian president, Mr. Habre has been sentenced to death by Chad for armed rebellion. Mr. Habre is accused of widespread human rights abuse of opposition leaders and torture. Senegal’s Justice Minister is requesting the case should be dropped against Mr. Habre, because he cannot be judged twice on the same facts.
Human rights activist have made it clear the trial in Chad was based on a different issue. Mr. Habre has been alleged to be responsible for an assault launched on the Chadian capital earlier this year along with other rebel leaders. Senegal was asked by the African union to try the former leader but have been reluctant in doing so. The Justice Minister has asked for international aid of $43 Million which will be used to facilitate the trial now that a new law has been passed in Senegal that will enable them put Habre on trail. Mr. Habre was ousted by president Iddris Deby in 1990.