Trial Begins for Former President François Bozizé in His Absence

前總統 François Bozizé 缺席審訊正式開始

Jun 16, 2026, 08:40

Introduction

The Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic has started a trial against former president François Bozizé. Because he is not present, the trial is being held 'in absentia' regarding accusations of crimes against humanity.

中非共和國的特別刑事法院已開始對前總統 François Bozizé 進行審判。由於他不在場，因此該審判是以「缺席審理」方式進行，涉及反人類罪行的指控。

Main Body

The trial is being managed by the Special Criminal Court (SCC), which is a special tribunal in Bangui made up of both local and international judges. The SCC is responsible for investigating war crimes committed since 2003 in the Central African Republic, a country that has faced constant instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. This specific case focuses on terrible crimes committed between 2009 and 2013, including murder, torture, and rape. Furthermore, the court is examining the actions of the Presidential Guard at a military base and a prison in Bossembele. The SCC emphasized that there is enough evidence to hold François Bozizé responsible as the military commander in charge.

此次審判由特別刑事法院 (SCC) 管理，該法院是位於班古 (Bangui) 的特別法庭，由當地和國際法官組成。SCC 負責調查 2003 年以來中非共和國發生的戰爭罪行，該國自 1960 年脫離法國獨立以來一直處於不穩定狀態。本案聚焦於 2009 年至 2013 年間發生的嚴重罪行，包括謀殺、酷刑和強姦。此外，法院正在審查總統衛隊在博塞姆貝萊 (Bossembele) 的軍事基地和監獄中的行為。SCC 強調，有足夠證據證明 François Bozizé 作為負責的軍事指揮官應承擔責任。

To understand the context, Bozizé first took power in 2003 and was later removed by the Seleka coalition in 2013. This change in power caused a civil war, during which Bozizé helped create the anti-Balaka militias. After living in exile, he tried to return to politics in 2019, but a court blocked this move. Later, in 2020, he led a group called the Coalition of Patriots for Change, but his efforts were stopped when Russian Wagner Group mercenaries arrived to support President Faustin-Archange Touadera. Consequently, while three former senior officers are currently in jail awaiting trial, Bozizé remains in Guinea-Bissau, a country that refuses to send him back for trial.

為了了解背景，Bozizé 首先在 2003 年掌權，隨後在 2013 年被 Seleka 聯盟推翻。這次權力變更引發了內戰，期間 Bozizé 協助建立了 anti-Balaka 民兵組織。在流亡之後，他嘗試在 2019 年重返政壇，但被法院阻止。隨後在 2020 年，他領導了一個名為「變革愛國者聯盟」的組織，但隨著俄羅斯瓦格納集團 (Wagner Group) 的僱傭兵到來支持總統 Faustin-Archange Touadera，他的努力被終結。因此，儘管目前有三名前高級軍官在獄中等待審判，但 Bozizé 仍留在幾內亞比索，而該國拒絕將其遣返受審。

Conclusion

François Bozizé continues to live in exile in Guinea-Bissau while the SCC moves forward with the trial regarding his responsibility for crimes against humanity.

在 SCC 繼續進行關於 François Bozizé 對反人類罪行責任的審判之時，他依然流亡在幾內亞比索。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Connecting' Leap: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you likely use simple sentences: "He is in exile. He does not want to return." To reach B2, you must stop treating sentences like isolated islands and start building bridges.

🛠️ The Logic-Linkers

Look at how this text connects complex ideas. Instead of using just "and" or "but," it uses Logical Connectors. These tell the reader why something is happening before they even finish the sentence.

"Furthermore" $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Used to add a new, important piece of information to a list.
- A2 style: He committed murder. He also committed torture.
- B2 style: He committed murder; furthermore, the court is examining torture.
"Consequently" $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Used to show a direct result (Cause $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Effect).
- A2 style: He is in Guinea-Bissau. So, he is not in court.
- B2 style: He remains in Guinea-Bissau; consequently, he is tried in absentia.

⚖️ The 'Passive' Power-Up

Notice the phrase: "the trial is being held."

In A2, we focus on who did the action ("The judge holds the trial"). In B2 academic and professional English, the action is more important than the person.

The formula: Am/Is/Are + being + Past Participle

This structure allows you to describe professional processes without needing to name every single person involved. It makes your English sound objective and formal.

💡 Pro-Tip for Growth

Next time you write a paragraph, find two short sentences and force them together using Consequently or Furthermore. That is the fastest way to shift your brain from basic communication to fluent expression.

Vocabulary Learning

in absentia (adv.)

While the defendant is not present in court.

Example:The judge decided to proceed with the trial in absentia since the suspect had fled the country.

accusation (n.)

A charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong.

Example:The politician denied the accusation of corruption during the press conference.

tribunal (n.)

A special court or official body established to judge a particular dispute or crime.

Example:The international tribunal was set up to prosecute war criminals from the conflict.

instability (n.)

A state of being unstable; a lack of predictability or steadiness in a political system.

Example:Economic instability often leads to social unrest and political protests.

emphasize (v.)

To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.

Example:The teacher wanted to emphasize the importance of reviewing the vocabulary before the exam.

coalition (n.)

An alliance for combined action, especially a temporary alliance of political parties.

Example:The two small parties formed a coalition to gain a majority in parliament.

exile (n.)

The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political reasons.

Example:The former leader spent ten years in exile before he was allowed to return home.

consequently (adv.)

As a result of something that has happened.

Example:He failed to attend the mandatory meetings; consequently, he was removed from the project.

Practice B2 words in a crossword→