Burkina Faso court sets date for coup trial decision

"The verdict will be issued on September 2," court's president, Seydou Ouedraogo, said.

In September 2015, a regiment loyal to ousted leader Blaise Compaore mounted a coup against the country's transitional government.

The scheme fizzled out at the cost of 14 lives and nearly 300 wounded after army-backed street protestors attacked the rebels' barracks.

Generals Gilbert Diendere and Djibrill Bassole are accused of masterminding the operation. Prosecutors are demanding life sentences against them.

Prison terms ranging from five to 25 years have been sought against a number of other accused, who include a non-commissioned officer, Moussa Nebie, nicknamed Rambo, accused of leading the rebel soldiers.

Compaore fled to Ivory Coast in 2014 after 27 years in office marked by assassinations and mounting public unrest.

He was forced out by a revolt sparked by his attempts to extend his grip on power.

The trial has been ongoing for 18 months.