Ex Chadian president Hissene Habre awaits verdict in AU court

The special court set up by the African Union to try former Chadian president will on Monday deliver its verdict.

Hissene Habre has been charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture.

Guardian- Ex-Chad dictator #HisseneHabre to learn fate after victims' long fight for justice https://t.co/LOXZlEARit pic.twitter.com/R5qlMazCQ5

— Reed Brody (@ReedBrody) May 29, 2016

He is accused of presiding over a network of secret police known as the Department of Documentation and Security (DDS) and giving direct orders for torture and punishment.

A Truth Commission in Chad accused Habre’s government of systematic torture which led to the death of some 40,000 people during his tenure.

Powerful scenes of historic trial against #HisseneHabre. Judgement is expected tomorrow. https://t.co/UMlBy1MJ5q via youtube

— Daniela Kravetz (KravetzDaniela) May 29, 2016

He denies all the charges against him, and his defense lawyers have suggested he was unaware of the abuses.

Hissene Habre has refused to speak or cooperate with the court and rejects it’s authority. He is being represented by a court-appointed defense team after dismissing his own lawyers.

The former leader faces a prison term with hard labor, a sentence he will serve in Senegal or in any other country of the African Union.

If found guilty, another trial devoted to the examination of any requests for reparations by the victims, could take place.

The trial is the first in the world in which a former Head of State is on trial before a court in another country, for alleged human rights violations.