Hissene Habre Verdict - Landmark Decision Brings Justice for Tens of Thousands, USA welcomes conviction

US Secretary of State John Kerry has welcomed the conviction of former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Habre was handed a life in prison sentence for being responsible for thousands of deaths and tortures in prisons during his rule from 1982 to 1990.

A 1992 Chadian truth commission accused Habre’s government of systematic torture, saying 40 000 people had died during his rule.

Kerry describes the former dictator’s conviction as “a landmark in the global fight against impunity for atrocities.”

He said the case provided an opportunity for the US to reflect on and learn from its connection with past events in Chad.