To Catch a Dictator: The Pursuit and Trial of Hissene Habre

To Catch a Dictator is a dramatic insiders account of the hunt for Habré and his trial, showing that even the worst tyrants can be brought to justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Hissène Habré, the former despot of Chad, inflicted terror, torture, and widespread killings over eight bloody years in power, receiving full American and Western support. Following his overthrow, his victims and supporters relentlessly pursued justice, determined to hold him accountable for his atrocities. Their quest for truth was long, arduous, and unsettling, but they remained steadfast in their pursuit.

To Catch a Dictator is a captivating insiders account of the pursuit and trial of Habré. Human rights lawyer Reed Brody recounts the collaborative efforts of an international team of investigators, legal experts, and victims who traversed three continents to gather evidence, secure witnesses, petition courts, and garner public support. They encountered numerous challenges and ongoing threats, including the injury of a Chadian colleague in a bomb attack and the need for another colleague to seek asylum in the United States. Habré retaliated fiercely, utilizing secret bank accounts and extensive political connections to maintain his luxurious exile. Nevertheless, Brody and his allies ultimately prevailed, securing Habré's conviction for crimes against humanity in the courts of another country.

This fast-paced and suspenseful book underscores that the impunity often afforded to the powerful can be challenged, even for the most heinous tyrants. It serves as a testament to the unwavering determination of those seeking justice and the triumph of the rule of law. Additionally, the book features a foreword by Jacqueline Moudeïna, the lead lawyer for Habré's victims, who received the Right Livelihood Award (the "alternative Nobel Peace Prize") in 2011.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231202589