Son to Senegal's ex-president refuses to appear in court

Karim Wade, son to Senegal's ex- President Abodulaye Wade, on Tuesday refused to appear before the anti-corruption court where he is facing charges of illegal wealth acquisition.

On Tuesday when the hearing of his case resumed, Wade and his lawyers boycotted the courtroom, a judicial source said.

His lawyers later released a statement saying the boycott was because of the "brutality he had faced and the continued violation of his rights."

"Wade will not appear before anti-corruption court which he considers as a political court," the lawyers said, insisting that their client will not "participate in a travesty of justice."

The court took note of Wade's decision and continued with the case by listening to testimonies of witnesses.

Thursday last week, Wade began a hunger strike to protest against the manner his case was being handled and demand respect for his rights. He later started eating on Sunday after the intervention of religious leaders.

Karim Wade and his co-accused, especially Abdoul Khalil Bourgi and Mamadou Pouye are facing charges of illegally acquiring about 234 million U.S. dollars. Endi