Equatorial Guinea's flashy
vice-president, TeodorinObianghas gone trial in absentia in France on charges
of corruption, after he failed to stop the landmark case.
Obiang, who is the president's son, is
accused of buying a mansion and sports cars in France with a fortune amassed
from oil-rich Equatorial Guinea's public funds. He however denies the allegations.
The trial is the first since France
started investigating African leaders accused of illegally acquiring wealth.
Meanwhile, the West African state's
government launched a bid at the International Court of Justice to prevent the
trial from going ahead, arguing thatObiang had diplomatic immunity. The United Nations' court turned
down the request last month.
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