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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Jennifer Rankin in Brussels

Belgian court sends ex-diplomat, 93, to trial over 1961 murder of Congo leader

Two men surrounded by soldiers
Soldiers stand guard over Patrice Lumumba (right) and his associate Joseph Okito after their arrest in December 1960. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

A former Belgian diplomat, 93, should stand trial over alleged complicity in the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of what was then the newly independent Congolese state, a Brussels court has ruled.

Étienne Davignon, the only person still alive among 10 Belgians the Lumumba family accuses of involvement in the killing, is charged with participation in war crimes.

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