The Chadian government has admitted that it imprisoned 621 people, 82 of whom were minors, following demonstrations three weeks ago that left 50 people dead and more than 300 injured, which occurred after the president, Mahamat Idriss Déby, was consolidated in office for the next two years.
All of them were transferred to the high security prison of Koro Toro, as confirmed by the Minister of Justice and reported by Radio France International (RFI). Up to this point, the government had not denied that arrests had taken place but had not provided a concrete figure.
A total of five ministers met to give explanations to the relatives who, after weeks, have had no news of their detained or missing relatives.
More than 400 detainees have been referred to the public prosecutor for serious offenses, while 137 others have more serious charges that are being studied by the investigation offices, according to the French channel.
The Chadian government has regretted the number of deaths and arrests on October 20 but justified its action by the fact that there was «an insurrection that tried to overthrow the regime». Moreover, they have assured that the investigation work requires a long term that will not be completed in a matter of a few days.
He also referred to the suspension of activity of seven political parties, whose legal existence is threatened, after which he pointed out that «the State had suffered too much due to laxity» and elements are gathered for the Supreme Court to order the dissolution of certain formations.
Déby took office in April last year, after his father, Idriss Deby Itno, died during a military operation against the rebels, after 30 years in power. The current ruler had pledged to return power to civilians after 18 months, a deadline that expires this month.
