The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative
Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other
shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org.
July 2, 2013

Former U.S.-Backed Dictator of Chad Detained in Senegal, Accused of Crimes Against Humanity 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 
The former U.S.-backed dictator of Chad has been detained in Senegal and
could face charges of crimes against humanity more than 20 years after
his ouster in a military coup. Hissène Habré ruled Chad from 1982 to
1990 before fleeing to Senegal. He has been accused of overseeing the
torture and slaughter of tens of thousands of people from rival ethnic
groups. Habré's trial would mark the first time an African leader has
faced trial for human rights violations in another African country. A
coordinator for the legal team representing his alleged victims spoke on
Monday.

Assane Dioma Ndiaye: "There is definitely a feeling of relief,
especially when thinking about the thousands of victims who fought for
more than 20 years to have the right for their grievances to be heard
and who will finally see their dreams realized, the day they have been
waiting for is finally here."

 

.