Amnesty International has condemned the conviction of former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara, calling it a serious miscarriage of justice and demanding his immediate release. Mara has been sentenced to two years in prison, including one year mandatory, and fined on charges related to “discrediting the state” and other alleged offenses. The organization argues that his prosecution violates Mali’s constitutional and international human rights obligations protecting freedom of expression.
Mara, who served as Prime Minister from 2014 to 2015, was arrested in August after posting a tweet expressing solidarity with detained activists and vowing to fight for change. His case is one of several that reflect a growing crackdown on political dissent, as Malian authorities continue to detain political opponents, journalists, and activists who criticize the transitional government.
Amnesty International pointed to other recent cases, including the abduction and detention of journalist El Béchir Thiam and the ongoing imprisonment of anti-corruption activist Clément Dembélé despite a judge’s order for his release. Human rights experts, including a UN Independent Expert, have denounced such enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions.
Beyond these high-profile cases, authorities have continued to silence additional critics since 2023. Individuals such as social media activist Rokiatou Doumbia, radio host Mohamed Youssouf Bathily (known as Ras Bath), and political activist Adama Diarra remain imprisoned under charges widely viewed as politically motivated. Others, including Issa Kaou N’Djim, have been convicted for statements deemed offensive to state officials.
Mali has been under military rule since the 2020 coup, with the transitional government repeatedly extending its hold on power. Instead of returning to democratic rule, authorities have dissolved political parties and intensified repression. Amnesty International warns that this accelerating assault on civil and political rights threatens the rule of law and calls on Mali’s leaders to end the criminalization of peaceful dissent and respect fundamental freedoms.
