Ex-Burkina leader's brother held over reporter's murder

Image
AFP Paris
Last Updated : Oct 29 2017 | 9:42 PM IST
The brother of Burkina Faso's ousted ex-president Blaise Compaore was arrested in Paris today in connection with the 1998 murder of an investigative journalist in the west African country, his lawyer told AFP.
Francois Compaore, 63, was detained at the French capital's Charles de Gaulle airport over the killings of journalist Norbert Zongo and three companions whose charred bodies were found in a burnt-out car near Zongo's home.
Burkina Faso had in July issued an international arrest warrant for him on charges of "inciting murders", according to Zongo's family.
His lawyer Pierre-Olivier Sur and an airport source confirmed his arrest off a flight arriving from Ivory Coast's commercial capital Abidjan.
Compaore was a powerful economic adviser in the regime of his older brother. He was nicknamed the "little president" for his influence over the government, army and business world.
Zongo, editor of L'independant daily, was looking into the murder of the younger Compaore's driver at the time of his death, which sparked widespread protests.
Francois Compaore fled Burkina Faso during the 2014 uprising triggered by his brother's bid to extend his 27-year rule.
The siblings were taken in by neighbouring Ivory Coast.
Zongo's family has long accused Francois Compaore of involvement in the journalist's death.
Three former presidential guard members were charged over the killings in December 2015.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 29 2017 | 9:42 PM IST

Next Story