French trial of E Guinea leader's son set for January 2

The son of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea's veteran ruler will go on trial on January 2 on charges of plundering his country to fund a jet-set lifestyle in France, a Paris court decided on Monday.

Teodorin Obiang, 47, was not in court for the announcement, and his lawyer's office did not accept a letter notifying them of Monday's hearing.

Promoted by his father Teodoro Obiang Nguema to vice president in June, Teodorin Obiang is accused of using the proceeds of corruption and embezzlement to fund an array of purchases, from private jets and top properties to pop star Michael Jackson's famous white glove.