Audio By Carbonatix
The Ivorian presidential candidate and former rebel leader, Guillaume Soro, has been convicted in absentia of embezzlement and sentenced to 20 years in jail.
He was fined the equivalent of $7.4m (£6m) and barred from civic duties for five years.
The trial was boycotted by Mr Soro's lawyers who said the allegations against him were political and aimed at excluding him from this year's presidential poll.
Mr Soro, who lives in Paris, was accused of using public money to buy a house in the commercial capital, Abidjan.
The property has been confiscated by the court.
The former rebel leader has also been accused of plotting a coup against President Alassane Ouattara who is due to leave office this year.
Mr Soro, who has served as prime minister, retains the loyalty of former rebel commanders who now hold senior positions within the military.
Latest Stories
-
Sogakope Circuit Court jails farmer 15 years for incest, defilement
2 hours -
2028 is not a normal election – Amewu explains why NPP needs Kennedy Agyapong
2 hours -
The whole nation wants Kennedy – Amewu makes strong case for Agyapong
2 hours -
31-year-old illegal miner sent to prison over theftÂ
3 hours -
Court remands GPHA staff over stolen tugboat
3 hours -
Attendance at trial is a constitutional duty, not an option
4 hours -
RTI response raises questions over Bryan Acheampong’s military service claims
4 hours -
Two women granted bail over assault of 12-year-old; another remanded
4 hours -
Ghana’s IMF programme extension to August 2026 was to allow more time for final review work – IMF
4 hours -
No records of Bryan Acheampong’s enlistment and release from the US Army – Parliament says in RTI response
4 hours -
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III swears oath of allegiance to Asantehene and pledges unity and development for Asante Mampong
5 hours -
We had fruitful deliberations with private transport operators – Transport Minister
5 hours -
45-year-old farmer jailed 15 years for sexually abusing 14-year-old niece
5 hours -
Lawrence Ofori joins Casa Pia after mutually parting ways with Moreirense
5 hours -
Brazil have talent for World Cup, but victory not guaranteed – ESPN’s Bertozzi
5 hours