A court in Bamako on Monday sentenced former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison over a social media post deemed supportive of political prisoners.Mara, who served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015, was found guilty of “spreading false information and undermining state security,” according to local media reports.
The charges stemmed from a post he made earlier this year, in which he expressed solidarity with individuals detained for alleged political reasons. Authorities said his remarks amounted to incitement and an attempt to destabilize the country.
The former premier, known for his criticism of the ruling military junta, has not publicly commented on the verdict. His lawyers, however, described the trial as politically motivated and vowed to appeal the ruling.
Mali has faced growing international concern over restrictions on free speech and political opposition since the military seized power in 2020.