Belgian court sends ex-diplomat, 93, to trial over 1961 murder of Congo leader
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A Belgian court ruled that Étienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former diplomat, will stand trial for alleged complicity in the 1961 murder of Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. Davignon is accused of war crimes related to Lumumba's unlawful detention, transfer, denial of a fair trial, and degrading treatment in the lead up to his assassination. The charges stem from Davignon's role as a young diplomat in the Belgian Congo at the time of Lumumba's death, which occurred after Lumumba was captured and killed by separatists with Belgian support. While Davignon denies the charges, the court's decision marks a significant step in holding individuals accountable for Lumumba's death, an event for which Belgium has already acknowledged moral responsibility. The decision can be appealed.
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