Coup trial resumes

The trial of alleged coup plotters resumed on Thursday in the Criminal Court in the Central African Republic (CAR) capital, Bangui, after a five-month suspension following a boycott by defence lawyers in protest against the barring of one of their colleagues from appearing in court. State-owned Radio Centrafrique reported that Thursday's sitting was largely dedicated to preliminary formalities, such as the appointment of defence counsels, and informing the accused of the charges against them. The current session, which is due to last until 20 September, will hear the cases of former CAR President Andre Kolingba and his supporters, who will be judged in absentia. The court will also adjudicate on the case of former Defence Minister Jean Jacques Demafouth and 80 co-accused in the alleged plot to overthrow President Ange-Felix Patasse on 28 May, 2001. The trial, which began on 15 February, was again postponed on 12 August for logistical reasons. Radio Centrafrique reported at the time that bad weather and road conditions had prevented six jurors from reaching Bangui by the scheduled date. In addition, two public holidays fell during the week of the trial.