Guinean Court Sentences Ex-Dictator to 20 Years in Jail for Crimes Against Humanity
In a landmark trial, a Guinean court has sentenced former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara to 20 years in jail for crimes against humanity, marking a significant step towards ending impunity in the West African nation.
The verdict was welcomed by rights activists, who have long campaigned for justice for the victims of the 2009 massacre at a political rally in Conakry, the capital. At least 156 people were killed, hundreds more wounded, and 109 women raped in the brutal suppression of the opposition rally.
Camara, who was accused of murder, sexual violence, torture, abduction, and kidnapping, denied any responsibility, blaming his subordinates. However, the court found him guilty of the crimes, along with seven other defendants who were handed terms of up to life imprisonment.
The trial, which began in September 2022, was a major milestone in Guinea’s efforts to hold its security forces accountable for human rights abuses. The court also ordered compensation to be paid to the victims, ranging from 200 million to 1.5 billion Guinean francs ($23,000 to $174,000).
Kadiatou Sow, who was raped during the massacre and its aftermath, said the trial was a moment of truth for her and many others who suffered at the hands of Camara’s regime. "I want these soldiers to pay a heavy price with sentences befitting their crimes," she said.
The verdict has sent a strong message to high-level perpetrators in Guinea and elsewhere that justice can prevail. Human Rights Watch welcomed the judgement, saying it was a significant step towards ending impunity in the country.
The trial took place against a backdrop of repression of both the opposition to Guinea’s military rulers and the media. Protests against the "forced disappearance" of pro-democracy activists Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah paralyzed parts of Conakry on the day before the verdict, with several injured in clashes between demonstrators and the police.
Both the accused and the plaintiffs have 15 days to appeal the verdict, while the prosecutor’s office will have two months. The trial has shown that even in countries where impunity has long been the norm, justice can be served with determination and perseverance.
