Belgian ex-diplomat Davignon dies before trial over Lumumba assassination
Etienne Davignon, a 93-year-old Belgian former diplomat, died on Monday before he could stand trial. He had been ordered to stand trial for war crimes for alleged involvement in Patrice Lumumba's killing 65 years ago.
Davignon was accused of involvement in the murders of two of Lumumba's political allies, Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito. He had denied any wrongdoing and was awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his referral to trial. Davignon was the last person still alive being investigated in a case opened almost 15 years ago.
The Lumumba family said the decision from prosecutor and tribunal that the case merited trial was now a matter of record, adding: "The last living accused does not close the historical record." Their attorneys said in a statement they were preparing further legal actions such as a civil complaint against the Belgian state.
Quick Summary
Etienne Davignon, a Belgian ex-diplomat, faced charges related to the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba. His death brings an end to a chapter - but leaves many questions unanswered.
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: MyJoyOnline
Also covered by
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Politics
Adu-Boahene trial: Special operations claim was an afterthought; GH¢49.1m was for personal use - EOCO witness tells court
A key witness in the Adu-Boahene trial has cast doubt on explanations for the expenditure of significant public funds, raising questions about their
3d ago
