Journalist Detained for “Spreading False Information” and “Insulting a Foreign Head

Bamako, February 5, 2026 - Youssouf Sissoko, editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper L’Alternance, was placed in pretrial detention on Thursday in Bamako, facing prosecution for “spreading false information,” “damaging the reputation of the state,” and “insulting a foreign head of state.” According to the Association of Private Press Publishers (ASSEP), the arrest follows the publication of an article in the February 2 edition of the newspaper. The journalist’s hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2026, while the charges against him continue to raise concerns over freedom of expression and press freedom in Mali. In a statement, ASSEP said it is closely monitoring the case and reaffirmed its commitment to the constitutional protections for freedom of the press enshrined in the July 22, 2023 Constitution.

Faits rapportés

Bamako, February 5, 2026 - Youssouf Sissoko, editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper L’Alternance, was placed in pretrial detention on Thursday in Bamako, facing prosecution for “spreading false information,” “damaging the reputation of the state,” and “insulting a foreign head of state.” According to the Association of Private Press Publishers (ASSEP), the arrest follows the publication of an article in the February 2 edition of the newspaper. The journalist’s hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2026, while the charges against him continue to raise concerns over freedom of expression and press freedom in Mali. In a statement, ASSEP said it is closely monitoring the case and reaffirmed its commitment to the constitutional protections for freedom of the press enshrined in the July 22, 2023 Constitution.