Former Mali PM Moussa Mara Jailed for One Year Over Social Media Post

Former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara has been sentenced to one year in prison by a Bamako court for “undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority” through a social media post. The court also imposed a one-year suspended sentence and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (£700).

Mara, who served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015, was arrested on 1 August 2025 following a July post where he expressed support for political prisoners and promised justice. The ruling was delivered by the National Cybercrime Centre court, with prosecutors having sought a 24-month sentence.

His lawyer, Mountaga Tall, stated that they would review the verdict before deciding on further legal steps. A close associate of Mara described the ruling as expected but unjustified.

Mali, currently under military rule after two coups in 2020 and 2021, has intensified its crackdown on dissent, targeting journalists, activists, and political opponents. The verdict highlights the regime’s tightening grip on free expression amid ongoing political repression.

Share to: