Benin has put an opposition leader in jail on charges related to a failed coup. The leader, Candide Azannai, was once the country's defense minister and is now a major opposition figure. He was sent to custody after appearing in court on Saturday. The court is focused on terrorism cases.
Image/Candide Azannai
Azannai was arrested last week at his party's office in Cotonou, just days after the failed coup attempt.
The prosecutors say he was involved in planning against the government and tried to start a rebellion.
Even though he publicly opposed the coup, he was questioned for several hours at the anti-terrorism court.
This happened during a period of strict actions after the failed coup.
On Tuesday, around 30 people, mostly from the military, were jailed for treason because they were thought to be involved in the coup.
On December 7, soldiers briefly took control of the national TV station and said President Patrice Talon had been removed.
However, the government's supporters, with help from Nigeria and France, stopped the coup quickly.
There have been reports that some people died because of the coup attempt.
The main suspects, including the person believed to be in charge of the plot, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, are still missing.
President Talon is supposed to leave office in April after finishing two terms as allowed by the constitution.