Jun 16, 2026, 08:40

Court Starts Trial for Former President François Bozizé

法院開始審理前總統法蘭索瓦·博齊澤案

Introduction

A special court in the Central African Republic is starting a trial for François Bozizé. He is a former president. He is not in the country, so the trial happens without him.

中非共和國的一個特別法院正開始審理法蘭索瓦·博齊澤案。他是一位前任總統。由於他不在國內，因此審理將在他缺席的情況下進行。

Main Body

The court is in the city of Bangui. Local and international judges work there. They look at bad things that happened since 2003.

該法院位於班吉市。當地與國際法官在該處工作。他們調查自2003年以來發生的惡行。

Bozizé is in trouble for things that happened between 2009 and 2013. The court says his soldiers killed and hurt people. The court has enough proof to say Bozizé is responsible.

博齊澤因2009年至2013年之間發生的事件而陷入麻煩。法院表示他的士兵殺害並傷害了人們。法院有足夠證據證明博齊澤應對此負責。

Bozizé took power in 2003. Other people took him out of power in 2013. This started a big war. Later, he tried to come back to power in 2019 and 2020, but he failed.

博齊澤於2003年奪權。其他人於2013年將他推翻。這引發了一場大規模戰爭。隨後，他在2019年和2020年嘗試重新奪權，但未能成功。

Conclusion

François Bozizé lives in Guinea-Bissau now. The court continues the trial while he stays in that country.

法蘭索瓦·博齊澤現在住在幾內亞比索。在他留在該國期間，法院將繼續審理此案。

Vocabulary Learning

🕒 The 'Time-Travel' Logic

In this story, we see how to talk about things that are finished (Past) versus things happening now (Present).

1. The 'Now' (Present) We use simple words for things that are true today:

He is a former president. $\rightarrow$ (Current status)
The court is in the city. $\rightarrow$ (Current location)
He lives in Guinea-Bissau. $\rightarrow$ (Current home)

2. The 'Then' (Past) When the story moves back to 2003 or 2013, the words change. Look at how the action ends with -ed or changes completely:

Took (Past of 'take') $\rightarrow$ Bozizé took power.
Happened (Past of 'happen') $\rightarrow$ Things that happened in 2009.
Failed (Past of 'fail') $\rightarrow$ He failed to come back.

💡 Pro Tip for A2: If you see a year (like 2019), don't use 'is'. Use the past form.

Wrong: He is in power in 2003. $\times$
Right: He was / He took power in 2003. $\checkmark$

Vocabulary Learning

trial (n.)

A meeting in a court to decide if someone is guilty of a crime

Example:The trial will start next Monday in the city court.

former (adj.)

Having a job or position in the past

Example:He is a former teacher, but now he is a writer.

international (adj.)

Connecting or involving two or more countries

Example:The airport has many international flights.

proof (n.)

Information that shows something is true

Example:The police have proof that the man stole the car.

responsible (adj.)

Being the cause of something, often something bad

Example:The driver was responsible for the accident.

failed (v.)

Did not succeed in doing something

Example:He tried to open a shop, but he failed.

Trial Begins for Former President François Bozizé in His Absence

前總統 François Bozizé 缺席審訊正式開始

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.

Commencement of In Absentia Proceedings Against Former President François Bozizé via the Special Criminal Court.

特別刑事法院對前總統 François Bozizé 展開缺席審判

Introduction

The Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic has initiated a trial in absentia against former president François Bozizé regarding allegations of crimes against humanity.

中非共和國的特別刑事法院已針對前總統 François Bozizé 涉嫌犯下危害人類罪，啟動缺席審判。

Main Body

The judicial proceedings are being conducted by the Special Criminal Court (SCC), a hybrid tribunal situated in Bangui comprising both domestic and international jurists. The SCC's mandate encompasses the investigation of war crimes perpetrated since 2003 within the Central African Republic, a state characterized by persistent instability since its 1960 independence from France. The current litigation focuses on atrocities committed between 2009 and 2013, specifically murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances. The court's jurisdictional focus includes the actions of the Presidential Guard at a military training facility and a civilian prison in Bossembele. The SCC asserts that the evidentiary record is sufficient to establish the criminal liability of François Bozizé in his capacity as the hierarchical superior and military commander.

此司法程序由特別刑事法院（SCC）負責，這是一個位於班吉的混合法庭，由國內與國際法官共同組成。SCC 的職權範圍涵蓋調查自 2003 年以來在中非共和國境內發生的戰爭罪行，該國自 1960 年脫離法國獨立以來一直處於不穩定狀態。目前的訴訟重點在於 2009 年至 2013 年間犯下的暴行，特別是謀殺、酷刑、強姦與強迫失蹤。法院的管轄重點包括總統衛隊在 Bossembele 一處軍事訓練設施及一座平民監獄中的行為。SCC 主張，目前的證據紀錄足以確立 François Bozizé 作為層級上級與軍事指揮官的刑事責任。

Historical antecedents to the current proceedings include Bozizé's 2003 seizure of power and his subsequent 2013 removal by the Seleka coalition. This transition precipitated a civil war, during which Bozizé facilitated the formation of the anti-Balaka militias. Following a period of exile, Bozizé attempted a political return in 2019, which was precluded by a Constitutional Court ruling citing a failure to meet 'good morality' standards. His subsequent leadership of the Coalition of Patriots for Change in 2020 was neutralized following the deployment of Russian Wagner Group paramilitaries to support the administration of President Faustin-Archange Touadera. While three former senior officers—Eugene Barret Ngaikosset, Vianney Semndiro, and Firmin Junior Danboy—remain in pre-trial detention, Bozizé resides in Guinea-Bissau, a state that does not permit extradition.

本次訴訟的歷史前因包括 Bozizé 在 2003 年奪取政權，以及隨後於 2013 年被 Seleka 聯盟推翻。此次政權更迭引發了內戰，在此期間 Bozizé 促成了 anti-Balaka 民兵組織的成立。在經歷一段流亡期後，Bozizé 於 2019 年嘗試政治回歸，但被憲法法院以未能達到「良好道德」標準為由而否決。他隨後在 2020 年領導「變革愛國者聯盟」，但在俄羅斯瓦格納集團（Wagner Group）準軍事人員部署以支持總統 Faustin-Archange Touadera 政府後，其影響力被抵消。儘管三名前高級軍官——Eugene Barret Ngaikosset、Vianney Semndiro 與 Firmin Junior Danboy——仍處於審前拘留，但 Bozizé 居住在比紹幾內亞，而該國不允許引渡。

Conclusion

François Bozizé remains in exile in Guinea-Bissau while the SCC proceeds with the trial regarding his alleged command responsibility for crimes against humanity.

在特別刑事法院（SCC）就 François Bozizé 涉嫌對危害人類罪承擔指揮責任而進行審判之際，他仍流亡於比紹幾內亞。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Nominalization and Legal Precision

To ascend from B2 to C2, one must migrate from action-oriented prose (verbs) to concept-oriented prose (nouns). The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalization—the process of turning verbs or adjectives into nouns to create an objective, authoritative, and dense academic tone.

⚡ The Linguistic Shift

Observe how the text avoids simple narrative structures in favor of complex noun phrases. This removes the 'storytelling' element and replaces it with 'institutional reporting.'

B2 Approach: The court started a trial because they believe Bozizé is responsible.
C2 Execution: The Special Criminal Court... has initiated a trial... to establish the criminal liability of François Bozizé.

🔍 Deconstructing the 'Power-Nouns'

Notice the usage of abstract nominals that encapsulate entire events into single terms. This is the hallmark of high-level judicial and political discourse:

"Historical antecedents": Instead of saying "things that happened in the past," the author uses a formal noun phrase that frames the past as a causal precursor to the present.
"Command responsibility": This is not merely 'being the boss'; it is a specific legal construct. C2 mastery requires using terminology that signals membership in a professional discourse community.
"Precluded by a Constitutional Court ruling": The verb preclude is combined with a nominal object (ruling), creating a sense of inevitability and legal finality.

🛠️ Advanced Syntactic Compression

C2 writers use appositives and participle phrases to pack maximum information into minimum space without losing clarity.

"...a hybrid tribunal situated in Bangui comprising both domestic and international jurists."

Breakdown:

The Core: A hybrid tribunal.
The Modifier 1 (Location): situated in Bangui.
The Modifier 2 (Composition): comprising both domestic and international jurists.

By stacking these modifiers, the writer avoids three separate sentences (It is a hybrid tribunal. It is in Bangui. It has domestic and international jurists.), which would sound repetitive and elementary.

🎓 The Takeaway for the C2 Candidate

To replicate this style, stop asking "What happened?" and start asking "What is the name of this phenomenon?"

Instead of "He took power," use $\rightarrow$ "The seizure of power."
Instead of "He was removed," use $\rightarrow$ "The subsequent removal."
Instead of "The state is unstable," use $\rightarrow$ "A state characterized by persistent instability."

Vocabulary Learning

in absentia (adv.)

In a legal context, referring to a trial or proceeding conducted while the defendant is not present.

Example:The court decided to proceed in absentia after the suspect refused to return to his home country.

hybrid (adj.)

Something composed of elements drawn from different sources; in law, a court combining domestic and international legal frameworks.

Example:The hybrid tribunal was established to ensure both local legitimacy and international standards of justice.

mandate (n.)

An official order or commission to do something; the authority to carry out a specific policy or task.

Example:The committee's mandate was strictly limited to investigating financial irregularities.

perpetrated (v.)

Carried out or committed, typically referring to a harmful, illegal, or immoral action.

Example:The report detailed the horrific crimes perpetrated during the conflict.

litigation (n.)

The process of taking legal action or the act of conducting a lawsuit.

Example:The company spent millions of dollars on prolonged litigation over patent infringements.

jurisdictional (adj.)

Relating to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments over a specific area or person.

Example:The judge dismissed the case due to a lack of jurisdictional authority over the foreign defendant.

antecedents (n.)

A person's ancestors or the events/circumstances that existed before a particular event.

Example:To understand the current crisis, one must examine the historical antecedents of the region's instability.

precipitated (v.)

Caused an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable, to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.

Example:The sudden assassination of the archduke precipitated the outbreak of World War I.

precluded (v.)

Prevented from happening; made impossible.

Example:The candidate's previous criminal record precluded him from obtaining a security clearance.

extradition (n.)

The formal legal process of handing over a person accused or convicted of a crime to the jurisdiction of the state in which the crime was committed.

Example:The treaty allows for the extradition of fugitives between the two neighboring nations.

Practice All words in a crossword→