The war crimes trial of former Congolese rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba is to start at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
The former vice-president of DR Congo is accused of murder, rape and pillage in the Central African Republic (CAR).
He is the most high-profile figure to face trial at the ICC since it began its work eight years ago.
The ICC chief prosecutor says the trial will show that commanders are responsible for their troops' actions.
The trial is expected to last several months.
The 48-year-old denies two counts of crimes against humanity and three counts of war crimes.
At the time of the alleged crimes in 2002-3, Mr Bemba was a militia leader in DR Congo, but his forces crossed the border from their stronghold in the northern Equateur province into the neighbouring country of CAR to help the president put down a coup attempt.
It is alleged that attacks carried out by his troops against the civilian population were widespread and systematic, with more than 400 people - women and men - raped.
BBC News
