A prominent Malian economist and professor, Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, has been sentenced to two years in jail, with one year suspended, for his criticism of the military junta.
He was also fined 3 million CFA francs ($4,900; £3,900). Sissoko, 41, has been detained since March on charges of defamation and damaging the state’s reputation by distributing fake news.
These charges relate to a book he published last year, which he defended in court as fact-based.
Human rights groups claim this case is part of a broader crackdown on critics and political opponents of the military rulers, who took power in August 2020 after deposing then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta amidst significant anti-government protests over his handling of jihadist unrest.
Sissoko’s lawyer, Ibrahim Marhouf Sacko, told AFP he was “not surprised” by the verdict and plans to appeal.
Sissoko, a University of Bamako professor and former adviser to the late Mr. Keïta, was previously jailed for several months in 2022.
His recent arrest was prompted by his book Propaganda, Agitation and Harassment: Government Communication During the Transition in Mali, which accuses the junta of using manipulation and “even lies” to sway public opinion.
Prior to his arrest, Sissoko also called for elections on Facebook.
The junta has faced backlash for failing to adhere to agreed timelines for transitioning to democratic civilian rule, with elections scheduled for February postponed again.
Critics argue the military-led government has not adequately addressed the worsening jihadist insurgency, despite deploying Wagner group mercenaries and expelling UN peacekeepers.
The junta’s handling of the economy has also been criticized.
Earlier this month, participants in a “national dialogue” suggested extending the transition period by another three years.
Over the past year, several junta critics, including popular social media influencer Rokia Doumbia and activist Adama Ben Diarra, have been jailed.
In April, the junta suspended political activities and imposed a media blackout on political coverage.
Source-BBC
