Belgian Court Clears Way for Trial Over 1961 Murder of Congo's Lumumba
Belgian court clears way for trial over 1961 killing of Congo PM Lumumba
Summary
A Belgian court has ruled that a trial can proceed against Etienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former diplomat, over his alleged involvement in the 1961 assassination of Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba. Lumumba was the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo and was killed shortly after independence in a killing widely seen as facilitated by Belgian and US interests. The case marks a historic moment of judicial reckoning for Belgium over its colonial role in the Congo.
Preview
Etienne Davignon, a 93-year-old ex-diplomat, is accused of involvement in the assassination of the independence hero.