Court rejects Chadian leader's appeal of life sentence

Hassan Habre ruled Chad from 1982 to 1990 with a heavy hand, and was convicted of crimes against humanity

By Alpha Kamara

DAKAR, Senegal (AA) – An appeal by Chad’s former president was dismissed Wednesday, meaning he is set to continue serving out a life sentence for rape, sexual enslavement, unlawful killings, and other crimes against humanity.

According to the ruling, the appeal lacked credence and merit.

Hissane Habre was sentenced to life in prison last May by the Extraordinary African Chambers in Dakar headed by Burkina Faso Justice Gustave Kam.

But his lawyers filed an appeal and also asked for current Chadian President Idris Deby and other officials to appear before the court, including ones from the Directorate of Documentation, which was considered the riot police of Habre’s regime.

The appeals trial is headed by Malian Judge Wafi Ougadeye, assisted by two Senegalese magistrates, Matar Ndiaye and Bara Gueye.

Habre ruled Chad from 1982 to 1990 with a heavy hand.

Victims and families of people killed under the regime cheered and hugged each other in the courtroom after the verdict was read out in May.

Kaynak: