Trial begins for masterminds of Burkina Faso coup attempt
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The trial for 84 people accused of masterminding a 2015 coup attempt has begun in Burkina Faso.
Former presidential aides Gen. Gilbert Diendere and Gen. Djibril Bassole are among those facing a military tribunal. Hundreds of security forces were deployed around the court building.
Diendere briefly took power in the West African nation after the presidential guard staged a coup of the transitional government. He stepped down in the face of army-backed street protests and now faces life in prison for charges including conspiracy against the state, murder and beatings.
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Bassole, who was foreign affairs minister under former President Blaise Compaore, is accused of treason.
Many of the others accused are former soldiers in the presidential guard.