Prominent Mali journalist, influencer jailed for seven years for criticising junta
Summary
A court in Mali sentenced a well-known journalist and an influencer to seven years in prison after they criticized the military government. The two had been held since 2023 and were accused of crimes like conspiring against and discrediting the state.Key Facts
- Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, also known as Ras Bath, is a popular Malian TV and radio commentator.
- Rokia Doumbia, known online as "Rose, the cost of living," is an influencer and campaigner.
- Both were convicted by a Bamako court for criminal conspiracy and harming the state's image.
- They criticized Mali's ruling military junta, which took power after coups in 2020 and 2021.
- They have been in custody since March 2023 following a program about economic problems in Mali.
- The military government has imposed strict limits on freedoms and silenced critics.
- The junta, led by General Assimi Goïta, promised to return power to civilians by March 2024 but has not done so.
- Mali faces ongoing violence from jihadists, armed groups, and separatists since 2012.
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