In Benin, cyberactivist Steve Amoussou is before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (Criet), this Monday, November 18 in Cotonou. Kidnapped in Lomé by members of a combat sports club in mid-August 2024, he was brought back to Benin then delivered to the police. Steve Amoussou is indicted by the special prosecutor for “electronic harassment, publication of false news”. He is suspected of being the author of the famous audios on social networks, signed “Brother Hounvi” where he relentlessly criticizes the governance of Patrice Talon.
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With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
On October 7, 2024, the hearing, immediately opened, was postponed, some of the lawyers formed for the defense of the defendant Steve Amoussou were absent. Me Aboubacar Ba Parapé, one of his counsel, declared to RFI: “ I hope that the hearing will start well this time and that the Court will not find fanciful reasons to postpone it. »
The trial is eagerly awaited Benignpublic opinion, all sides combined, sought to identify the voice and signature of “Brother Hounvi”, author of the audio pamphlets against Patrice Talonhis relatives, his ministers, the senior ranks of the police and justice. It is Steve Amoussou who is suspected of being the face and voice behind these posts famous.
Last October 7 at the bar, in a low voice, he had just time to plead “not guilty” and to indicate that he was communicating before the dismissal. He is defended by a college of lawyers. Only one was able to see him on the eve of the trial. Me Aboubacar Parapé confesses to having suffered two visit refusals, the last of which this Sunday, November 17. The regulations did not allow it on the days and the moment when he presented himself at the civil prison of Akpro-Missérété, it is a “ breach » of the rights of lawyers and detainees denounces the council.
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