Jacqueline Moudeina to represent victims in HabréŽ trial

After years of repeated delays, Senegal made history on Friday, 8 February 2013 with the inauguration of the Extraordinary African Chambers. This special court will try former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré for crimes against humanity. The pre-trial investigation phase, which began on 8 February, is expected to last 15 months.

This development is an important step forward for Jacqueline Moudeina (RLA 2011), who is not only driving the case against Habré internationally but is going to be the lead lawyer for victims of the dictatorship, who will play an important role in the trial. Late last year, several of the victims were inspired after interacting with fellow torture survivor Martín Almada (RLA 2002), who was in Chad as part of an RLA delegation on a solidarity visitfor Jacqueline Moudeina. Promisingly for the victims, the Extraordinary Chambers Statute provides for their participation at all stages of the proceedings, and for the award of reparations.

Jacqueline welcomed the commencement of the proceedings in an op-ed, which can be viewed here. For more information about the trial, please visit the Human Rights Watch dedicated Q&A page.