In Chad, opposition parties are strongly condemning the legal actions taken against former Prime Minister and opposition leader, Succès Masra, who was placed in pre-trial detention on Wednesday.

Masra, the leader of the Transformers party, was arrested on May 16 and is facing multiple charges, including incitement to hatred, undermining the constitution, complicity with armed gangs, murder, and arson. Authorities suspect his involvement in recent community clashes that have claimed over 40 lives.

His lawyers and supporters argue the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to silence dissent ahead of upcoming political developments. Masra has been transferred to the Klessoum prison.