In a striking legal and political development from Mali, former Prime Minister Moussa Mara has been sentenced to one year in prison over a social media post expressing solidarity with political prisoners. The court in Bamako found Mara guilty of “undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority,” handing down an additional one-year suspended sentence and fining him 500,000 CFA francs—roughly $887.

The charges relate to a July social media message in which Mara spoke of meeting political detainees and pledged to fight for their justice. Mara, who led the country from 2014 to 2015, has been in custody since August 1.

Mara’s legal team has vowed to challenge the verdict. His lawyer, Mountaga Tall, told AFP that this case is far from over, and they are currently discussing the next steps. Meanwhile, an anonymous ally of Mara questioned the basis of the conviction, asking, “What exactly is his crime?”

This sentencing unfolds under the military regime of Colonel Assimi Goita, who rose to power following coups in 2020 and 2021. Observers say the verdict highlights the junta’s ongoing crackdown on political opposition and restrictions on freedom of expression, fueling concerns over Mali’s backsliding democratic freedoms.

International watchdogs and human rights advocates have long criticized the military government for suppressing dissent, and this case is likely to intensify those worries.

We will continue to follow this story as developments unfold.

That’s the latest from Mali here on SNEWS TV.

Reported by Ehud Jones.