By RFPosted on 20-08-2019Modified on 20-08-2019 at 23:27
Accused of being one of the brains of the coup attempt of 2015, the former head of Burkinabe diplomacy is tried for "treason, complicity in attacking state security, murders, assault and battery". The public prosecutor's office required him to be imprisoned for life.
" The offenses with which I am charged do not correspond to the reality of the facts, " Djibrill Bassolé told the court on Tuesday. The former pillar of Blaise Compaoré's regime ensures being prosecuted for subjective and political reasons. He points to a treatment of his remote control file from outside the justice system.
Since August 16, his lawyers plead the acquittal. They question in particular the authenticity of a telephone recording where Djibrill Bassolé and Guillaume Soro, former president of the Ivorian Parliament, speak of a destabilization of Burkina Faso.
The former head of Burkinabè diplomacy initially instructed his lawyers to read his statement to the court, citing serious health problems. But justice ordered him to come in person.
Djibrill Bassolé, currently under house arrest, also took advantage of his appearance to mention his recent application for authorization to leave the territory. Last March, he had benefited from a medical evacuation in Tunisia, but he could not find a clinic adapted to his needs. This time, he wants to come for treatment in France. In a letter dated 2 August, the military court had acknowledged receipt of his request, without further details. According to one of his relatives, he would in any case appointment on August 22 in a hospital in Paris. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to attend.
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