In Guinea, a new hearing took place on Monday May 27 in the historic trial of the September 28, 2009 massacre, with the start of the defense lawyers’ pleadings. At the time, more than 150 opponents were killed by the police under the regime of Captain Moussa Dadis Camara and at least 109 women raped on September 28, in the large Conakry stadium. Among the victims, Dame Aissatou Barry.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Conakry, Moktar Bah
Dame Aissatou Barry, raped on September 28, 2009 at the Conakry stadium in Guineawas absent in the courtroom. She had formally identified her rapist, adjutant Mamadou Aliou Keita, whom she had previously known in her neighborhood. During his hearing, Warrant Officer Keita denied everything. His sister, Fatoumata Barry, interviewed by RFI, explains:
“ She herself knew Mamadou Aliou, she cried for Mamadou Aliou to leave her, he refused. Madame Aissatou recognized the man who raped her. It is normal today that he answers for his actions. We are there as women, we will defend and we will support Ms. Aissatou because we suffered the same fate as Ms. Aissatou », adds his sister.
During the hearing, Fatoumata Barry appealed to Warrant Officer Keita’s lawyer, Maître Salifou Beavogui: “ Master Beavogui should ask for forgiveness instead of denying the facts that happened at the stadium. It’s not normal, because everyone saw it. We are not going to accept that “, she was indignant.
“ It’s a mistake about the person “, according to Mamadou Aliou’s lawyer
For Maître Salifou Beavogui, his client is not the author of the rape of Dame Aissatou Barry: “ This is a mistaken identity. I think she must have seen Mamadou Aliou Keita from afar. I think that’s why she met Mamadou Aliou Keita. But, moreover, it cannot go before a Court, before a criminal tribunal. Word against word, it won’t be able to happen, it’s not possible. Mamadou Aliou Keita will be dismissed, will be acquitted, this will be the end of the prosecution “, he assures.
Begun on Monday May 27, the defense lawyers’ pleadings will continue until next week.
Read alsoTrial of the September 28 massacre in Guinea: life imprisonment requested against Moussa Dadis Camara