A court in Mali’s capital, Bamako, has sentenced former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison on Monday, after finding him guilty over a social media post that expressed support for political detainees, a move many critics see as part of the junta’s growing clampdown on dissent under military ruler Col. Assimi Goita.
The Bamako court ruled that Mara was guilty of “undermining the credibility of the state and defying legitimate authority.”
He received a one year jail term, an additional one year suspended sentence, and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (around $887).
The charges were linked to a July post in which Mara wrote about visiting political prisoners and pledging to fight for their justice.
Mara, who led the government between 2014 and 2015, has been detained since August 1.
His lawyer, Mountaga Tall, said they plan to appeal the judgment, telling AFP: “This is not the end, We will consult our client and decide the next step.”
One close associate, who requested anonymity, said the ruling was “expected,” asking, “What exactly is his crime?”
The sentence comes under the administration of Col. Assimi Goita, who took power through militarized coups in 2020 and 2021.
This development, targeting a former senior government figure, adds to growing concerns about shrinking political freedoms and free speech in Mali, as the junta tightens its grip on power.
