LOME, Togo (AP) — Security forces fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators in Lome demanding the release of Pascal Bodjona, Togo's former Interior Minister and number two man to President Faure Gnassingbé, who was taken in for questioning by police.
Crowds of sympathizers holding placards calling for the release of Bodjona Saturday were quickly dispersed.
Bodjona is to be asked about a fraud complaint lodged by an Arab Emirate businessman, Abass al-Youssef. Youssef alleges that he was defrauded of more than $50 by Bertin Agba, who is Bodjona's cousin and who has been detained on the charges since 2011.
Bodjona has declared his innocence. The case comes as there have been a series of protests against the rule of Faure Gnassigbe.
