Lead defendant in failed Burkina putsch claims support of military brass

28 Octobre 2017

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, October 28 (Infosplusgabon) -  General Gilbert Diendéré, the main defendant of the failed coup d'etat of September 2015 in Burkina Faso, has claimed that a dozen military leaders  were "in agreement with him", and must therefore be tried, his lawyer, Mathieu Somé, said on Friday.

The military tribunal, also on Friday, confirmed the charges against the former right-hand man of deposed dictator Blaise Compaore. He is prosecuted for "undermining state security, treason, crime against humanity, acts of terrorism, and complicity in the degradation of property."

"The General asked that the military hierarchy who was at the meeting, be charged," said Somé at a press conference following the confirmation of charges against his client.

Somé cited the name of former chief of staff Zagré Pingrenoma, who was appointed ambassador, and "a dozen" others. "We asked for their charges," he said.

"What must be added is that the responsibility was taken by the army. Regarding the crimes against humanity that were mentioned, the soldiers were going out on instructions of their leaders. They gave their names, " he said.

On 16 September 2015, as Burkina Faso made its way toward the end of the Blaise Compaoré Transition, soldiers attempted to overthrow the regime.

Resistance to the attempt left about 15 people dead and many wounded.

Former Foreign minister of Compaore, General Djibril Bassole, who was imprisoned for two years, has been released on bail. A hundred other soldiers are indicted and their confirmation hearing continues.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/AML/GABON 2017

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