Senegal: Government Amends Constitution to Pave Way for Hissène Habré Trial

Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone. (Brussels, July 23, 2008) _ Senegal's adoption today of a constitutional amendment confirming that Senegalese courts can prosecute past crimes against humanity lifts any legal obstacles to the trial of former Chadian dictator Hiss_ne Habr_, Human Rights Watch said today. Habr_ is accused of massive crimes during his 1982-1990 rule before he fled to Senegal. In July 2006, the African Union mandated Senegal to "prosecute and ensure that Hiss_ne Habr_ is tried, on behalf of Africa, by a competent Senegalese court." Senegal has yet to initiate a prosecution, however. In February 2007, Senegal passed legislation permitting it to prosecute cases of genocide, crimes against... [read full story]