"It is possible to have a trial in absentia if the defendant disappears, but we rarely do this, " he said.

BBC: News

The Klarsfelds stopped looking for Nazis themselves after a trial in absentia of Alois Brunner in 2001 in Paris, which they had pressed for and in which they presented evidence.

BBC: NEWS | Special Reports | 'Our hunt for the Nazis is over'

The Americans were tried in absentia, in the first trial involving extraordinary rendition, the CIA's practice of transferring suspects to countries where torture is permitted.

BBC: Italy upholds verdict on CIA agents in rendition case

Since March, he has been on trial in absentia in the Netherlands, the former colonial power, charged with smuggling 1.5 tonnes of cocaine.

ECONOMIST: Suriname��s wondrous botch

And there is general agreement that the accused will not be tried in absentia (too much like a show trial), or face the death penalty.

ECONOMIST: International criminals, beware