Sankara trial: hearing on compensation for the families of the victims

Opening of the trial for the assassination of Thomas Sankara, in the banquet hall of Ouaga 2000, Burkina Faso, on October 11, 2021. (Illustrative photo) © AFP - OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT

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2 mins

In Burkina Faso, the trial hearing on the interests of the civil parties in the case of Thomas Sankara and his twelve companions opened on Monday, April 25, at the Ouagadougou military court.

As damages, the Sankara family is asking for a symbolic franc, as are the Burkinabe lawyers who have formed alongside the family of the father of the Burkinabe revolution.

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With our correspondent in Ouagadougou,

The lawyers demand that the State be jointly and severally liable for the damages, because the acts were committed by men in the service of the State.

The military court will deliver its decision on May 10.

Maître Bénéwendé Stanislas Sankara clarified that the beneficiaries of the revolutionary ex-president only demanded truth and justice in this affair.

On the other hand, other families of the victims claim hundreds of millions of francs as compensation.

Lawyers further demand that Thomas Sankara's death certificate be issued in accordance with the facts.

In addition, the lawyers demand that the personal effects of President Sankara be returned.

Among these effects are his wedding ring and his weapon.

“ 

 “says the president of the Judgment Chamber.

“The objects that were removed were removed by the elements of the police and the gendarmerie, so that they can be found

”, answers Master Sankara.

The lawyers for the civil parties demand that the State and the defendants be jointly and severally liable and obliged to repair all the damage suffered by the families.

Read also: Sankara trial in Burkina Faso: ex-president Blaise Compaoré sentenced to life imprisonment

As for the legal agent of the State, he claims a little more than one billion one hundred and forty-five million CFA francs for the financial, material and moral damages suffered, a request rejected by the defense lawyers: "

”, says Master Olivier Yelkouni, one of the lawyers of General Gilbert Diendéré.

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• Burkina Faso

• Thomas Sankara

• Justice