Amnesty International has called on Malian authorities to overturn the conviction of former Prime Minister Moussa Mara and secure his immediate release. The rights organization contends that the prosecution is baseless, unjust, and reflects a broader strategy to silence dissent against the government. According to Amnesty International, this case illustrates a troubling trend in which state authorities misuse criminal law to suppress free expression, violating constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations.
Mara was arrested on 1 August 2025, following his public declaration of “unwavering solidarity with prisoners of conscience.” He faced several serious charges, including “discrediting the state,” inciting public disorder, opposing legitimate authority, and undermining state authority. These allegations stemmed from a post on X (formerly Twitter), where Mara expressed support for detained political figures and activists he had visited. Following several hours of questioning at a judicial investigation unit, he was allowed to return home but was ordered to appear again the next day as legal proceedings continued.
In October 2025, Mali’s cybercrime court convicted Mara based on his social media activities, sentencing him to two years’ imprisonment, which included one year of mandatory custody, and imposed a fine of 500,000 CFA francs. An appellate court later upheld this conviction, maintaining the original judgment.
Amnesty International argues that the charges against Mara criminalize peaceful expression and lack legal validity under both Malian constitutional law and international treaties. The organization emphasizes that prosecuting someone for expressing solidarity with detainees is incompatible with protections for political participation and public debate. The proceedings against Mara exemplify a systematic misuse of judicial processes for political ends.
The political landscape in Mali has been tumultuous since a military coup in 2020 that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. Although transitional leaders initially promised an 18-month return to civilian governance, this period has been extended three times. In April 2025, authorities dissolved all political parties and extended the transition by an additional five years.
Malian courts have imposed similar sentences on other public figures for expressing critical views. In 2023, activist Adama Diarra, known as “Ben le Cerveau,” received a two-year sentence, which included one year of mandatory imprisonment, for criticizing a potential extension of Mali’s political transition. In 2024, Issa Kaou N’Djim, former vice president of the National Transitional Council, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for remarks concerning authorities in neighboring Burkina Faso. He was released after serving his one-year term.
The situation regarding civil liberties in Mali has drawn international concern. In September 2025, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned about the deteriorating state of civil liberties in the country. He urged the governing junta to repeal laws that hinder democratic transition and to release all individuals who have been unlawfully detained.
Amnesty International’s demands for Mara’s release highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those who speak out against government actions in Mali. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for freedom of expression and human rights in the region.
