A court in Bamako, Mali’s capital, has sentenced former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to a one-year prison term for expressing solidarity with political prisoners on social media. The conviction, which includes an additional one-year suspended sentence and a fine, has been met with criticism from those who see it as a suppression of dissent under the military rule of Col. Assimi Goita.

The charges against Mara stemmed from a July social media post in which he mentioned meeting with political prisoners and vowed to seek justice for them. The court found him guilty of “undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority.” Mara, who served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015, has been incarcerated since August 1.

Mara’s lawyer, Mountaga Tall, has indicated that they will contest the verdict, stating that “this is not the end” and that they will discuss the next course of action with their client. An associate of Mara expressed surprise at the ruling, questioning the nature of his crime. The sentencing has reinforced concerns about the country’s democratic backsliding under the military rule of Col. Goita, who seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021.

The ruling against a former high-ranking official signals the junta’s continued suppression of political opposition and freedom of expression. International observers have raised concerns about the country’s direction, citing a crackdown on dissent and a lack of respect for human rights. The case against Mara is seen as a test of the country’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.

Mara’s sentencing is the latest development in a series of events that have raised concerns about the state of democracy in Mali. The country has been under military rule since 2020, and the international community has been watching with concern as the junta has consolidated power and suppressed opposition. The sentencing of a former prime minister for expressing solidarity with political prisoners has significant implications for the country’s future and its relationship with the international community. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the developments in Mali.