Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Niger 'coup' trial of 70 soldiers

From the BBC 21 Feb 2006:

Seventy soldiers have gone on trial in Niger's capital, Niamey, for their alleged role in an attempted coup three years ago.

The soldiers are accused of being part of a group of mutinous troops who violently protested against their living conditions and unpaid wages

It escalated into a mutiny both in the capital and in the region of Diffa.

At one point a state governor and several senior army officers were kidnapped.

At least two civilians were reported to have been killed in the unrest that was finally quelled by troops loyal to the government.

The BBC's Idy Barou in Niger says if the military tribunal convicts the men they could face the death penalty.

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