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A court in Bamako has sentenced former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara to one year in prison after finding him guilty of “undermining state credibility” through a social media post in which he expressed support for political detainees.
The verdict, delivered on Monday by the National Cybercrime Centre Court, also included a one-year suspended sentence and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (approximately $887).
Mara, who briefly served as prime minister between 2014 and 2015, was arrested on August 1 following a July post in which he said he had visited political prisoners and pledged to “fight for justice.”
According to prosecutors, his comments were viewed as an attempt to challenge legitimate authority and incite public distrust in the transitional government led by the military junta.
Witnesses said Mara remained calm as the judgement was read, listening silently as the presiding judge outlined the charges.
Defence lawyer Mountaga Tall described the ruling as “unjust” and confirmed plans to appeal.
“It’s not over,” Tall told reporters. “We will consult with our client and determine the next course of action.”
A close associate of Mara, who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal, said the verdict came as no surprise.
“We expected it,” he said. “Tell me, what exactly is his crime for meeting fellow citizens who are imprisoned?”
Mali has been under military leadership since the coups in 2020 and 2021 toppled the civilian government.
Since seizing power, the junta has tightened its grip on the political landscape, restricting the press, dissolving opposition parties, and detaining dissenting voices.
Rights groups and international observers have repeatedly accused the government of stifling free expression under the guise of protecting national stability.
