afrol News, 6 June - The ex-President of Comoros' autonomous Anjouan Island was handed a three-month suspended prison sentence by a French court after he had been found guilty of "importing or possessing of weapons" on the French Island of Mayotte.

A joint military operation involving African Union troops forced Colonel Mohamed Bacar out of power last March. He had fled with 22 members of his personal body guard to the French island of Mayotte before being moved to Reunion.

Colonel Bacar's row with the Comoros federal government over the legality of his re-election in June last year resulted to his overthrow.

The Court of Appeals of Reunion verdict also applied on Mr Bacar's 22 guards. The Comoran government's request for Bacar to be extradited to answer to a number of charges, including murder and torture, was refused by French authorities who feared that he might be "persecuted." He was immediately put under military custody after his extradition was requested.

But the Appeals Court will today examine the request.

Last month, the ousted leader's lawyers blamed the French judiciary for turning down Bacar's asylum request, vowing to file an appeal. Only two of his body guards were granted asylum, although nine other guards were assured that they would not be extradited to the Comoros.

The Comoros archipelago, which had experienced 19 coups since it attained independence from France in 1975, is expected to hold presidential election on 15 June. Mr Bacar has been excluded from the race.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories