Aziz, a 66-year-old former general, appeared in a court in Nouakchott among 10 defendants, including former prime ministers, ministers and businessmen, an AFP reporter saw.
They face charges that include abuse of office, influence peddling, money laundering and illicit enrichment.
Proceedings began with a rollcall of the defendants to which Aziz, dressed in a blue grown, rose and raised his hand.
The defendants were placed in a metallic cage-like stand in the courtroom as hundreds of police stood guard outside. Читать дальше...