Trial of Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara Continues in Bamako

BAMAKO, Mali - On Monday, September 29, former Prime Minister Moussa Mara, honorary president of the Yelema Party, appeared before the National Cybercrime Center (PNLC) for his ongoing trial. The proceedings were conducted under heightened security and remained tense but orderly between the public prosecutor and Mara’s legal team.

Despite assurances of legal representation, Mara’s request for release was denied. The case has been taken under advisement, with judgment scheduled for October 27. The public prosecutor is seeking a 24-month prison sentence, while the defense has requested full acquittal, arguing there is no legal basis for pretrial detention.

Mara was arrested following a tweet in which he criticized the detention of politicians and civil society leaders, asserting that they were prisoners of conscience. He has remained in preventive detention for nearly three months pending trial.