Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara of Mali has been officially charged for allegedly undermining the state through social media comments critical of the military government currently in power. His posts followed a visit to political prisoners, where he expressed solidarity and determination to keep hope alive among those detained.
Mali's Former PM Faces Charges for Social Media Remarks Amid Military Rule
Mali's Former PM Faces Charges for Social Media Remarks Amid Military Rule
Moussa Mara, ex-prime minister of Mali, is charged with undermining state credibility for his critical social media posts against the ruling military junta.
On July 4, Mara visited opposition figures incarcerated by the junta, declaring on X that he stood “unwaveringly” with the “prisoners of conscience.” Since the military took control of Mali following coups in 2020 and 2021, political parties were banned, and dissent has been met with harsh reprisals.
Mara's social media activity caught the attention of the national cybercrime unit, leading to his recent detainment and questioning. During this interrogation, he reaffirmed his commitment to the belief that the prisoners deserved a fight for justice. However, the prosecutor cited his comments on “prisoners of conscience” as constituting an offense against the state.
In addition to charges of undermining state credibility, Mara faces accusations of opposing legitimate authority and inciting public disorder. His trial is scheduled for September 29, while the military junta continues to consolidate power, recently granting military leader General Assimi Goïta a five-year renewable term without elections.
The political climate remains dire in Mali, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the West African nation as the junta has repeatedly delayed promised elections, undermining efforts for multi-party governance.
Mara's social media activity caught the attention of the national cybercrime unit, leading to his recent detainment and questioning. During this interrogation, he reaffirmed his commitment to the belief that the prisoners deserved a fight for justice. However, the prosecutor cited his comments on “prisoners of conscience” as constituting an offense against the state.
In addition to charges of undermining state credibility, Mara faces accusations of opposing legitimate authority and inciting public disorder. His trial is scheduled for September 29, while the military junta continues to consolidate power, recently granting military leader General Assimi Goïta a five-year renewable term without elections.
The political climate remains dire in Mali, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the West African nation as the junta has repeatedly delayed promised elections, undermining efforts for multi-party governance.
