Ex-Mali coup leader goes on trial on killing charges
SIKASSO -- The coup leader blamed for destabilizing Mali went on trial Wednesday with 17 co-defendants, accused of kidnapping and killing members of the presidential guard whose remains were later found in a mass grave.
Amadou Haya Sanogo, who rose to power after overthrowing Mali's longtime president in March 2012, could face the death penalty if convicted. He was arrested three years ago following the discovery of the 21 corpses.
Human rights groups say the victims, known as the red berets, were accused of trying to mount a countercoup against Sanogo a month after he seized power.
