Rights groups, opposition leaders and the French Government have urged the Central African Republic (CAR) to investigate claims that a rebel leader was tortured to death.

According to a BBC News report, Charles Massi was apparently arrested in Chad in December and taken to CAR, where he died in custody in January. His family claim he was tortured to death, but the government has denied the allegations. Former President Ange-Felix Patasse said the government must 'shed light on this alarming case'. The report notes that Patasse said his call for an investigation did not mean he endorsed the rebels' cause. He said he wanted to ensure the nation returned to peace before an election due in April.
Full BBC News report