DAKAR, Senegal, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- A Senegalese appeals court has rejected a Belgium request to extradite former Chadian President Hissene Habre.
The court said Wednesday there were "technicalities in the format," of the request, saying specifically there was no annex of the original application for the arrest and detention by Belgium, the Africa Review reported Thursday.
Belgium has sought the extradition of Habre to face charges for crimes against humanity and torture during his term as president. Analysts say the ruling leaves the door open for Belgium to file another extradition request.
Habre's lawyers urged Senegalese and Belgium authorities to respect the ruling and "judicial independence" of the court.
Habre was arrested in Senegal in 2005 for atrocities detailed in complaints filed by his alleged victims. He has said he is ready to face a fair trial anywhere.
