Breaking: Chad former ruler Hissene Habre convicted of rape

A special court in Senegal has convicted former Chadian military ruler Hissene Habre of rape as the verdict was still read for other possible convictions.

Human rights groups accuse the 72-year-old of being responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people during his rule from 1982 to 1990.

Prosecutors in the court case said he committed crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture, and were perusing a life sentence for Habre.

His case is being heard by the Extraordinary African Chambers in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, a special criminal court set up by the African Union within the West African nation’s court system.

Habre has refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the court and had to be physically dragged into the courtroom in July.

The former head of state did not stand up or respond when called on by the judge.

After living in exile in Senegal for 22 years, Habre was detained in Dakar in July 2013, less than 72 hours after US President Barack Obama expressed his support for a trial during a visit to Senegal.

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