14 accused of Africa's biggest mercenary plot

A trial in Africa’s biggest mercenary case in decades was set to open today in the rain-streaked capital of Equatorial Guinea, with soldiers of fortune from Europe, Africa and Asia accused in an alleged plot to take control of the country’s oil wealth.

Fourteen men are accused in the alleged March coup plot. A 15th defendant, a German, died in prison of what Amnesty International said was suspected torture.