Guinea ex-dictator denies responsibility at 2009 massacre trial

Guinea's former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara denied responsibility when he took the stand at a trial of officials implicated in a 2009 massacre.

Camara and 10 other former military and government officials stand accused over the killing of 156 people and the rape of at least 109 women by pro-junta forces at an opposition rally in a Conakry stadium in September 2009.

They face charges ranging from murder to sexual violence, kidnappings, arson and looting. Camara himself is charged with "personal criminal responsibility and command responsibility".

Presiding judge Ibrahima Sory Tounkara reminded Camara, 57, of the charges the court had brought against him.

He also evoked God, saying, "If it's you who gave me power .... if I was killed at the September 28 stadium, God, I will not step foot back into Guinea."

Camara's deposition was a key moment which survivors and relatives of the victims had been waiting for since the trial opened on September 28, 13 years to the day after the massacre.

Outside the court, Conakry residents gathered round television screens in shops and markets to follow the proceedings in the historic trial.

A week ago the hearings had been adjourned, after Camara said he was too ill to give testimony.

At the time an unknown army captain, Camara seized power in December 2008 shortly after the death of Guinea's second post-independence president, General Lansana Conte, who had ruled for 24 years.