A court in France has adjourned the corruption trial of Equatorial Guinea's flamboyant Vice- President Teodorin Obiang Nguema after his lawyers asked for more time to prepare his defence, AFP reports. Mr Obiang, the son of the president, is accused of buying a mansion and sports cars in France with a fortune amassed from oil-rich Equatorial Guinea's public funds.
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His lawyers say he is not a "big-time bandit".
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The trial is the first following an unprecedented investigation into the French assets of African leaders accused of leading a life of luxury abroad while their citizens live in poverty.
Mr Obiang is being tried in absentia.
Mr Obiang is being tried in absentia.
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Last month, the International Court of Justice rejected a bid by Equatorial Guinea's government to prevent the trial from going ahead, arguing Mr Obiang had diplomatic immunity.