France, Sept. 24 -- Judges in The Hague on Wednesday found Said guilty on four counts, including torture and persecution. Prosecutors accused him of running a prison in Bangui where suspected supporters of then-president Francois Bozize were beaten and tortured.

They dismissed several war crimes charges, after finding that the armed conflict had already ended when the alleged crimes were committed.

The charges stemmed from fighting after the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in 2013, ousting then-president Francois Bozize. Their rule gave rise to the anti-Balaka, mainly Christian militias formed in opposition to the Seleka.

Said denied all charges.

Prisoners detained under his watch testified that they were held in a win...