The trial in Yaounde of English-speaking Cameroonians suspected of taking part in a secessionist rebellion has been adjourned to 28 September, media sources told IRIN on Monday.
The sources said most of the 57 accused have denied the charges against them, which include arson, illegal possession of arms, and murder. AFP reported that 18 of them denied taking part in armed attacks on 27-28 March 1997 in North-West Province, in the English-speaking part of the country.
The defendants are being tried by a military tribunal. However, their lawyer, Joseph Mbanda, said the cases were outside that tribunal's jurisdiction because his clients are accused of political offences. "It's a kangaroo court," he said.
See separate item titled 'Trial of suspected secessionists adjourned'
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