Cameroon opposition leader goes on trial in military court

Cameroon's main opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who was runner-up in last year's presidential election, on Friday goes to trial in a military court on insurrection charges that have sparked international outcry.

Kamto and dozens of political allies and supporters face charges of insurrection, hostility to the motherland and rebellion, crimes which could carry the death penalty.

His trial will go ahead despite repeated protests from France, the United States and the European Union, who have been calling for his release from detention for eight months.

"There is no justification for Mr Kamto and his supporters to have been incarcerated for eight months in these conditions," their French lawyer Antoine Vey told AFP.

"None of them took part in acts of violence, none called for acts of violence or rebellion, there is no reason for their arrest other than a political motive."