Following protest against the Chad’s minister of higher education which led to alleged vandalism, dozens of students have been sentenced to one-month jail term in the country presided upon by Idriss Deby.

According to Ceoafrica, their trial, which lasted just one day, took place under heavy security as well as the vandalism charge; they were accused of contempt for public authority and violent behaviour.

A total of 71 were arrested on Saturday and three were acquitted for lack of evidence.

The national student union says classes on campuses will be boycotted until the 68 prisoners are released.

Students have staged several protests in recent months, partly in response to government moves to cut student grants.