World Notes Exiles

A chilling array of charges faced former Central African Republic Leader Jean- Bedel Bokassa in court last week. The self-proclaimed Emperor, who unexpectedly returned home in October after seven years of exile, stands accused of crimes ranging from cannibalism to concealing corpses to killing children during a brutal 14-year rule that ended in 1979. Bokassa was convicted of similar atrocities in 1980 and was sentenced to death in absentia. Under Central African Republic law, however, he is entitled to a second trial.

Bokassa denied any wrongdoing as the new trial got under way in the capital city of Bangui. "I am not a cannibal," he said. After shouting matches with the ex-Emperor, Prosecutor Gabriel Mbodou asked for more time to prepare arguments. Central African Judge Edouard Frank suspended the trial until Dec. 15.