The trial has started in Burkina Faso of 14 men accused of killing former President Thomas Sankara 34 years ago.

Sankara brought in radical socialist reforms and was a prominent campaigner for Pan-Africanist causes.

He was shot dead during a coup in October 1987, which saw his friend, Blaise Compaoré, come to power.

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In April a military tribunal accused Mr Compaore of being complicit in the killing. He is exiled in Ivory Coast, denies guilt, and refuses to stand trial in person.

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Twelve of Sankara’s comrades were also killed, and a lawyer for the victims’ families says Mr Compaore’s absence suggests he has something to hide.

BBC