Africa-Press. The Court of Appeal in Bamako has upheld the conviction of former prime minister Moussa Mara, sentencing him to two years in prison, including one year to be served, along with a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (around €762), on charges of “damaging the image of the state and opposing legitimate authority.”
Mara, who served as head of government from 2014 to 2015, has been jailed since last August. The ruling follows a series of critical statements he posted on social media targeting the military authorities led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, as well as visits he paid to detainees he described as “prisoners of conscience,” assuring them that justice would eventually prevail.
Mara’s lawyer said the defense would continue the legal battle and file an appeal with the Supreme Court, arguing that the case represents a key test of judicial independence in Mali.
A tense political climate
Since the military coups of 2020 and 2021, the authorities have adopted measures widely described as repressive against the media and political opposition. In May, political parties and organizations were dissolved, drawing sharp criticism from international human rights groups, which view the move as further entrenching military rule.
Observers say the conviction of Moussa Mara, one of the most prominent critics of the authorities, reflects a growing trend toward restricting political freedoms in a country facing deep security and economic challenges. The ruling raises questions about the future of civilian opposition and the prospects for a more inclusive political process during the transition.
