Mara's comments followed his visits to political prisoners, and he remains an active critic of the current regime, set against the backdrop of dissolved political parties and unfulfilled promises of elections in Mali.
Mali Ex-Prime Minister Faces Charges for Social Media Critique
Mali Ex-Prime Minister Faces Charges for Social Media Critique
Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara is charged with undermining the state's credibility due to his outspoken social media posts condemning the military junta's actions.
A significant escalation in Mali's political tensions has unfolded as former Prime Minister Moussa Mara has been charged with undermining the state's credibility, stemming from his recent social media commentary. The military junta, which has held power since a series of coups in 2020 and 2021, recently targeted Mara for his vocal condemnation of their leadership and actions since the dissolution of all political parties back in May.
The controversy ignited following Mara's visit to political prisoners detained by the junta. Following this visit, he took to X, declaring his "unwavering solidarity with prisoners of conscience." His post emphasized the importance of keeping hope alive among the detainees, stating, "As long as the night lasts, the sun will inevitably rise! And we will fight by all means to make that happen, and as soon as possible!" Such comments did not sit well with the military officials, leading to Mara's summons by the cybercrime unit.
On Thursday, he faced interrogation regarding his July 4th post, which raised eyebrows at the senior levels of the junta. According to reports from Radio France Internationale, the prosecutor cited his reference to "prisoners of conscience" and ambitions to advocate for them as offenses warranting charges. In addition to undermining the state, Mara faces accusations of opposing legitimate authority and inciting public disorder.
This trial is set to take place on September 29. The military’s actions come in the wake of General Assimi Goïta being awarded a renewable five-year presidential term by the transitional parliament just last month. Once promising to restore elections by the following year, Goïta's government has since walked back on this commitment, further entrenching the junta's grip on power in this West African nation.
