A landmark verdict was delivered in Guinea as former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara was sentenced to 20 years in jail for crimes against humanity. The court found Camara guilty for his role in the deadly suppression of an opposition rally in 2009, where at least 156 people were killed and 109 women were raped by his forces. The verdict also included seven other military commanders, while four defendants were acquitted.
The trial, which started in 2022 after more than a decade since the massacre, saw over 100 survivors and victims’ relatives testify. Compensation ranging from 200 million to 1.5 billion Guinean francs was ordered to be paid to the victims. While some praised the verdict as justice finally being served, others felt that the punishment was not enough.
The lead lawyer for the plaintiffs emphasized the importance of the judgement, highlighting that it is the first time a former head of state has been convicted for such crimes in Guinea. Human Rights Watch also welcomed the verdict, noting that it sends a message that justice can prevail for high-level perpetrators.
However, there are concerns about ongoing repression by Guinea’s military rulers against the opposition and media. Defence lawyers argued that the reclassification of charges as crimes against humanity could infringe on defendants’ rights to a fair trial. Both the accused and the plaintiffs have 15 days to appeal the verdict. This verdict is seen as a step towards ending impunity in the country and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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