A trial began Thursday in Guinea for seven defendants allegedly involved in a 2009 massacre at a political rally that marks one of the darkest pages in the west African country's history.
On September 28, 2009, at least 156 people were killed by gunfire, knives, machetes or bayonets at an opposition rally at a stadium in the suburbs of the capital Conakry, according to a UN-mandated international commission of inquiry.
Hundreds more were wounded, at least 109 women were raped and abuses continued for several days against women who were held captive, while detainees were tortured.
Guinea's ex-dictator Moussa Dadis Camara was found guilty last year of crimes against humanity and sentenced to 20 years behind bars following a landmark two-year trial, only to be pardoned at the end of March by junta leader Mamady Doumbouya.
Seven other people were also sentenced to terms of up to life imprisonment for their role in the massacre.
A Conakry court Thursday began a new trial for seven individuals allegedly linked to the massacre, including three fugitives.
Among them is Colonel Bienvenu Lamah, a gendarmerie officer imprisoned since mid-November 2022.
He is being tried on several charges, including murder, rape, torture and abuse of authority.
The others are being tried for alleged complicity.
The trial is a crucial step for the various parties and victims' families, who have been demanding justice for more than 15 years.
