Moussa Mara, the ex-prime minister of Mali, has been officially charged for allegedly undermining the state due to critical comments he made on social media regarding the military junta currently in power.
Mali's Ex-Prime Minister Faces Charges for Social Media Criticism of Military Junta
Mali's Ex-Prime Minister Faces Charges for Social Media Criticism of Military Junta
A former leader in Mali is charged with undermining state authority after public statements online.
Mali has charged Moussa Mara with undermining the state's credibility over a social media post that expressed solidarity with opposition figures. The decision highlights ongoing tensions in the country following the military's rise to power and its dissolution of political parties.
Moussa Mara, who served briefly as prime minister a decade ago, has recently intensified his criticisms of the military junta governing Mali since couplings in 2020 and 2021. His latest actions come after visiting imprisoned opposition leaders, during which he expressed his support for what he termed "prisoners of conscience" in a post on social media platform X. Mara stated, "The flame of hope must never fade in them," emphasizing his resolve to fight for their rights.
On Thursday, Mara was questioned by the national cybercrime unit regarding his July 4 post, where he sympathized with detainees and vowed for their rights. The authorities regard his comments about "prisoners of conscience" and his intention to advocate for them as criminal offenses. Following this, he was charged with undermining the credibility of the state and inciting public disorder.
His trial is scheduled for September 29, raising concerns over the freedom of speech and political dissent in a country that has experienced significant turmoil. Recently, military leader Gen. Assimi Goïta was awarded a renewable five-year presidential term without elections, further complicating the pathway back to a democratic governance structure in Mali.
The political climate in Mali continues to evolve, marked by the junta's recent actions and the reactions of individuals like Mara, who challenge their authority.
For further news from Africa and updates related to this ongoing story, you can visit BBC Africa or follow them on social media.
Moussa Mara, who served briefly as prime minister a decade ago, has recently intensified his criticisms of the military junta governing Mali since couplings in 2020 and 2021. His latest actions come after visiting imprisoned opposition leaders, during which he expressed his support for what he termed "prisoners of conscience" in a post on social media platform X. Mara stated, "The flame of hope must never fade in them," emphasizing his resolve to fight for their rights.
On Thursday, Mara was questioned by the national cybercrime unit regarding his July 4 post, where he sympathized with detainees and vowed for their rights. The authorities regard his comments about "prisoners of conscience" and his intention to advocate for them as criminal offenses. Following this, he was charged with undermining the credibility of the state and inciting public disorder.
His trial is scheduled for September 29, raising concerns over the freedom of speech and political dissent in a country that has experienced significant turmoil. Recently, military leader Gen. Assimi Goïta was awarded a renewable five-year presidential term without elections, further complicating the pathway back to a democratic governance structure in Mali.
The political climate in Mali continues to evolve, marked by the junta's recent actions and the reactions of individuals like Mara, who challenge their authority.
For further news from Africa and updates related to this ongoing story, you can visit BBC Africa or follow them on social media.
