Central African Ex-Emperor to Gain Freedom
Jean-Bedel Bokassa, the former self-styled emperor who was toppled in 1979 amid accusations of child murder and cannibalism, was freed Wednesday by Central African Republic authorities.
President Andre Kolingba ordered the release to mark the 12th anniversary of his rule shortly before it was announced that Kolingba had been defeated in the first round of a presidential election Aug. 22.
The Supreme Court said the two leading candidates, former Prime Minister Ange-Felix Patasse and Abel Goumba, who represents a coalition of nine parties, will compete in a runoff expected in two weeks.
There was no indication whether Bokassa, 72, in jail since returning from exile in France in 1986 to face trial, will remain in the country. The release order specified that he is barred from office, and the electoral code also bars convicted criminals from running.
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