Security personnel surround Hissene Habre inside the court (Credit: AP Photo/Sophiane Bengeloun)
Security personnel surround Hissene Habre inside the court (Credit: AP Photo/Sophiane Bengeloun)

Former Chadian military dictator, Hissene Habre has been pronounced guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life in prison. The historical and theatrical trial which involved his being dragged sometimes into the courtroom ended today.

The hearing took place at the Extraordinary African Chambers (CAE) court, a criminal court founded by the African Union where more than 90 victims of rape and torture had testified against him. The court’s president, Gberdao Gustave Kam gave the pronouncement this way: “Hissene Habre, this court finds you guilty of crimes against humanity, rape, forced slavery, and kidnapping, as well as war crimes.” Kam added, “The court condemns you to life in prison.”

 

Hissene Habre (Credit: The Telegraph)
Hissene Habre (Credit: The Telegraph)

The 26-year-long fight by victims and human rights protesters to bring the past ruler to justice ended a few hours ago today in Senegal, where he sought asylum after being ejected from office in a 1990 coup. An estimated 40,000 people were killed and 200,000 arrested during his reign.

The 73 year old Habre who has been given 15 days to appeal, ruled Chad from 1982 until he was deposed in 1990.