afrol News, 18 August - Senegalese Minister of Justice has swiftly reacted to the death sentence of the former Chadian dictator on war crime charges, arguing that Hissène Habré could not be tried twice for the same crimes.

Madické Niang told radio 'RFM' that Mr. Habré cannot be brought to justice in another jurisdiction to be tried on the same facts.

Puzzled by the Friday's sentencing of Habré, Mr. Niang, formerly the coordinator of the ousted dictator's trial, said he he had sought further information from Chadian judiciary about the ruling.

Since he was overthrown in 1990, the man who presided over a regime accused of gross violations of human rights, including torture and murder, had been living on exile in Senegal.

Two years ago, Senegal was mandated by the African Union to put Habré on trial.

The latest ruling came at a time Senegal is stepping up efforts to try Hissène Habré. This includes the lifting of last hurdle to the trial - amendment of a constitutional empowering Senegal to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and torture committed in the past - and appointment of judges. Senegal has also allocated CFA 1 billion for the trial.

Mr. Habré's lawyer in Senegal did not take the Chad ruling with seriousness.

Hissène Habré and 11 leaders of eastern rebel group were sentenced to death in absentia.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories