Chadian opposition leader and former Prime Minister Succès Masra has begun a hunger strike while in police custody, according to an announcement by his party, The Transformers, on Tuesday, June 24.
Imprisoned for 40 days, Masra reportedly conveyed his decision in a letter from his cell, which the party plans to publicly read at 4 p.m. local time at its headquarters, known as the Balcony of Hope.
The party is urging supporters to gather in large numbers in solidarity.
Masra is facing serious charges, including incitement to hatred, murder, and assassination related to the May 14 massacre of Fulani civilians in the village of Mandakaou. Currently held in pretrial detention, his case remains under investigation.
His legal team, which claims the charges are politically motivated, unsuccessfully sought his conditional release during a hearing on June 19.
