With our correspondent in Conakry, Matthias Raynal
In this almost flawlessly organized trial, there was a moment of hesitation this Wednesday morning when a rape victim refused to speak in public, in front of all the cameras in the country. ” When the proceedings are brought on the count of rape or torture, the closed session is of right if the victim civil party requests it. “, argues a lawyer for the civil parties.
The president opens the debate. The defense lawyers take the floor and argue in favor of the publicity of this hearing. ” The media need it. National and international opinion is watching this trial with interest. “, argues one of them. The president asks the victim to take the stand. ” Even if we are not debating the merits, she would have to appear at the hearing “, he explains.
Madame C. comes forward. ” Let the press hijack the cameras until the court’s decision “claims the president. But the scene was filmed by television cameras. The face of the victim is now known to all. The president finally ordered the camera closed. Journalists and the public were then asked to leave the room. The trial is due to resume next Monday.