In Guinea, former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity.
This conviction is linked to one of the nation’s deadliest massacres, where over 156 individuals were killed when troops opened fire at a September 2009 rally demanding a return to civilian rule.
Camara, who seized power in a coup following the death of long-time President Lansana Conté in 2008, fled the country after surviving an assassination attempt shortly after the massacre.
He returned from exile in Burkina Faso in September 2022 to face trial, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The court found Camara guilty alongside seven of his military commanders, while four others were acquitted.
The massacre occurred as tens of thousands gathered at a stadium in Conakry to protest against Camara’s potential bid for a presidential election.
The attack involved shooting, stabbing, beating, and a stampede caused by security forces firing teargas and storming the stadium. Additionally, many women were subjected to rape.
Initially charged with murder, rape, torture, and kidnapping, these charges were later reclassified as crimes against humanity.
Camara has consistently denied any involvement in the massacre, with his lawyer denouncing the verdict as politically motivated and vowing to appeal.
The 2010 election led to a decade of civilian rule under President Alpha Condé, who was subsequently overthrown in a coup nearly three years ago amid protests against his controversial third term.
Source-BBC
