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Senegal: Extradition of Habré suspended

last updated Jul 12, 2011

Senegal has suspended its decision to repatriate the former Chadian president Hissène Habré to his home country where has been sentenced to death in absentia for planning to overthrow Chad's government. Habré is accused of killing and torturing tens of thousands of opponents between 1982 and 1990.

The suspension followed a statement by UN human rights chief Navi Pillay who expressed deep concern that Habré could be tortured in Chad. Pillay urged the Senegalese government to review its decision and to ensure that fair trial rights will be respected and that he will not be subjected to torture or the death penalty.


Senegal is State Party to the Convention against Torture (CAT) which prohibits an extradition if there are substantial grounds to believe the extradited person would be in danger of being tortured.


Habré was also charged by Belgium for crimes against humanity and torture which led to Habré's arrest in Senegal in 2005. Belgium has also asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to extradite Habré to Belgium.


OHCHR: Pillay: Senegal must review its decision to extradite Hissène Habré to Chad


BBC News: Senegal suspends Hissene Habre's repatriation to Chad


NY Times: No Extradition for Chad Leader


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