Former Mali Prime Minister sentenced to two year prison for social media post
On Mon, Oct 16, 2023, a court in Bamako, Mali's capital, sentenced former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison. The court convicted Mara for a social media post expressing solidarity with political prisoners. The charges were based on…
On Mon, Oct 16, 2023, a court in Bamako, Mali's capital, sentenced former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison. The court convicted Mara for a social media post expressing solidarity with political prisoners. The charges were based on accusations of "undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority."
Moussa Mara received a one-year prison sentence, an additional one-year suspended sentence, and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (approximately $887). The charges originated from a post made in July, where Mara mentioned meeting with political prisoners and pledged to pursue justice on their behalf.
Mara, who held the position of prime minister from 2014 to 2015, has been incarcerated since Tue, Aug 1, 2023. His legal representative, Mountaga Tall, has announced plans to appeal the verdict. Tall stated that discussions would be held with Mara to determine the next steps.
On Mon, Oct 16, 2023, a court in Bamako, Mali's capital, sentenced former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison.
This legal action takes place under the governance of Col. Assimi Goita, who assumed power following coups in 2020 and 2021. The conviction of Mara, a former high-ranking official, underscores the current administration's stance on political opposition and freedom of expression. This has raised concerns among international observers regarding the state of democracy in Mali.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
