Release of the head of the Forsat: the Malian government wants to reassure without backing down
Members of the Malian anti-terrorist special force, Forsat, in June 2017. (Illustrative image) AFP - HABIBOU KOUYATE
Text by: RFI Follow
6 mins
The Malian authorities finally came out of their silence on Saturday.
A government statement fell in the evening, it follows the brief imprisonment and especially the release of the Forsat commander on Friday.
The divisional commissioner Oumar Samaké had been indicted in particular for "murders" and "fatal blows" within the framework of the investigation into the murderous repression of the anti-IBK demonstrations of July 2020, which had left 14 dead.
Incarcerated at the Bamako central detention center, he was released under pressure from the police gathered in front of the prison to have him released.
This has aroused the indignation of many political actors and Malian civil society.
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The statement, soberly signed by the "
government of the Republic of Mali
", begins by addressing "
those who demonstrated
" Friday, without naming the police, to assure them that the government "
does not want to harm them in any way.
". And to remind them that "
it is their responsibility to ensure order and security
."
The government also urges "
respect for the authority of the State
", recalls having initiated "
an action
" to fight "
against corruption and impunity
", and assures that "
this action will be carried out strictly. respect for freedoms, but with vigor and firmness
”.
Because it is about "
the credibility
" of Malian institutions and the "
restoration of confidence between the authorities and the citizens
", continues the press release, "
there can be no question of retreat
" or "
abandonment
".
►
To read also: The commander of the Forsat indicted for murders, imprisoned, but quickly released
A wording which suggests, even if it does not say so clearly, that the commander of the anti-terrorism force Forsat could again be arrested and imprisoned, in accordance with the arrest warrant issued by the Malian justice.
No details, however, on the conditions which allowed the release of Commissioner Samaké without a court decision on Friday, nor on the place in which he is currently.
Indignation of M5 and magistrates
On the side of the M5, for the moment, it is anger.
It is this movement that organized the demonstrations of July 2020, repressed in blood.
M5 spokesperson Jeamille Bittar deplores this obstruction of justice.
“
We strongly condemn what has happened.
It is unacceptable.
We started this fight of the M5-RFP precisely for more justice.
The authorities must take the appropriate measures quickly.
He must return to prison, as planned.
Who is charged, who should be placed under a warrant of committal, etc., is up to the judge to decide.
Everyone involved in this killing should be brought to justice.
Whether it is the Forsat, whether it is other individuals, in any case we want justice to be done.
And we ask the Malian people to stay mobilized.
"
From the ranks of the M5, the current Prime Minister Choguel Maïga
"
Cannot escape the position of the M5-RFP
," said Jeamille Bittar.
Choguel is with us, as well as Assimi Goïta who is the president of the transition, we are all in the same dynamic because we want a new Mali.
Everyone must be held accountable for their actions.
"
Among the magistrates, we speak of "
stupefaction
".
This is the word used by Bourama Konaté, president of SAM, the Autonomous Union of the Magistracy.
It demands the "
re-incarceration
" of the commander of the Forsat.
"
This is not at all normal.
This is the first time I have heard of such behavior.
We ask the authorities that the divisional commissioner Oumar Samaké return to prison where he had been placed by an examining magistrate.
And that as soon as possible.
The judge, before placing under a warrant of committal, is obliged to question.
When he issues the warrant of committal, it is up to the courts to have him released and not that he leaves by back door means.
It is not because we wanted to see him in prison, it is for the respect of principles and criminal procedure.
"
►
To read also: Release of the head of the Forsat: the police officers explain themselves, the AMDH is indignant
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