In Mali, judgment and sentence confirmed for Étienne Fakaba Sissoko. In its deliberations, the Court of Appeal maintained on Monday December 16 the sentence of two years in prison, including one against the Malian academic. Étienne Fakaba Sissoko was found guilty of “ damage to state credit » last May, after the publication of a book denouncing the “ propaganda » of the Malian transitional government. So he remains in prison.
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The Court of Appeal has not yet communicated the reasons for its judgment. But maintaining the sentence already pronounced against Etienne Fakaba Sissoko are enough to produce the effect of a “ cold shower » to his lawyer. “ We had really hoped, with the experience of the magistrates of the Court of Appeal who often demonstrate independence, that this bad judgment was going to be overturnedexplains Master Ibrahim Marouf Sacko. But unfortunately, it’s confirmed. This means that my client must stay in prison for a year, he has already spent nine months there, so there are three left. »
There recent release of eleven political executives within the framework of the “ relaxation » wanted by the political authorities of the Transition, had also been a source of hope. “ Apparently not everyone is affected », deplores Maître Sacko, who now intends to appeal to the Supreme Court. “ We will exercise this right in principle and then we will see, explains Étienne Fakaba Sissoko’s lawyer, because for the Supreme Court to hear this case, it will take several months. So he will have served the sentence to which he was sentenced. But if we obtain victory in cassation, it will be for the principle, so that his innocence is established.“
Other political or civil society figures are still detained in Malian prisons after having made comments apparently too critical during this period of transition, including Clément Dembélé, Ras Bath, Rose « cost of living “, Ben ” the brain », or even Issa Kaou N’Djim.
In addition to his prison sentence, Étienne Fakaba Sissoko’s conviction also provides for damages of 3 million CFA francs (approximately 4,570 euros) to be paid to the Malian state.
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