Bamako, Mali | Biiso FM News Desk —
A court in Mali’s capital Bamako has sentenced former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison for a social media post expressing support for political prisoners — a decision widely viewed as part of a broader crackdown on dissent under the country’s military leadership.
The court found Mara guilty of “undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority.”
He was handed a one-year jail term, an additional one-year suspended sentence, and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs, equivalent to about $887.
Conviction Sparks Outcry
The charges stemmed from a July social media post in which Mara said he had met with several political prisoners and pledged to seek justice for them.
Mara, who served as Prime Minister from 2014 to 2015, has been detained since August 1.
His lawyer, Mountaga Tall, told reporters they would appeal the ruling, saying, “This is not the end. We will discuss with our client and determine the next course of action.”
An associate of Mara, speaking anonymously, said the ruling came as “no surprise,” adding, “What exactly is his crime?”
Military Tightens Grip on Power
The verdict comes amid growing concerns about shrinking political space in Mali, where Colonel Assimi Goita has ruled since seizing power in two successive coups — in 2020 and 2021.
Analysts and rights groups say the sentencing of a former top government official shows how far the junta is willing to go to silence critics and intimidate political rivals.
The case adds to fears of democratic backsliding in Mali, where journalists, opposition members, and activists have increasingly faced arrests, censorship, and intimidation since the military takeover.
International Reaction
Human rights organizations and international observers have called on Mali’s authorities to respect freedom of expression and release political detainees.
They warn that continued repression could deepen isolation and strain relations with regional and global partners.
