Burkina Faso high court drops charges against former president Blaise Compaoré

The high court in Burkina Faso has dismissed charges against former president Blaise Compaoré.

Compaoré was facing charges of high treason and attempts to change the country’s constitution.

“There is no legal basis on which to conduct judicial proceedings against Compaoré for these two charges,” the Prosecutor said on Friday.

The charges were brought against Compaoré and his former government in July last year by members of parliament.

The lawmakers also accused former Prime Minister Luc Adolphe Tiao and his government of intentional assault, murder and complicity in assault and murder.

Compaore sparked mass anger when he announced his intention to change the constitution so he could stand for a third term in 2015,prompting thousands of Burkinabes to take to the streets in violent protests.

He stepped down in October and took refuge in Ivory Coast.