The trial of Moussa Dadis Camara, the former dictator of Guinea, has recommenced after experiencing several weeks of delays.
Camara is facing charges related to the killing of 156 opposition supporters and the rape of at least 109 women during a rally in 2009.
The proceedings resumed on Monday following a suspension that began on May 29, when lawyers involved in the trial boycotted due to unpaid fees spanning over eight months.
Although an agreement had been reached to resume the trial on June 21, it was further delayed due to a strike by prison wardens.
Camara, along with 10 other former military and government officials, is accused of orchestrating the killings and rapes that took place at a stadium in the capital city of Conakry.
During the rally, which saw tens of thousands of opposition demonstrators in attendance, the exits were blocked, tear gas was deployed, and live ammunition was fired by soldiers. Subsequently, numerous instances of mass rape occurred in the aftermath.
The trial of the 11 defendants, who allegedly ordered the acts of violence, commenced on September 28, exactly 13 years after the rally took place.
Former leader Moussa Dadis Camara has denied giving orders for the slaughter, instead attributing it to “uncontrollable” security forces and a former advisor.
Despite the trial resuming, the lawyers involved have stated that their demands for payment remain unresolved.