A Chadian court has handed jail terms of up to three years to more than 260 people who were arrested following deadly pro-democracy demonstrations in October.
The mass trial of the pro-democracy campaigners took place in a high-security prison in the desert. Defence lawyers boycotted proceedings, arguing that the trial itself was not legal.
More than 400 people faced charges, including taking part in an unauthorised gathering and disturbing public order.
Officials report states that about 50 people died during the nationwide pro-democracy protests in October. At least 10 members of the security forces lost their lives. Civil societies claim more than 100 people were killed by security forces during the unrest.
The government announced the lifting of the state of emergency declared in N’Djamena and some other cities on the evening of October 20.
