Mausoleums of Timbuktu: ICC reduces jihadist Ahmed Al Mahdi's prison sentence
The sentence imposed by the International Criminal Court on Ahmed Al Mahdi has been reduced by two years (illustrative image) REUTERS / Patrick Post / Pool
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The sentence imposed by the International Criminal Court on Ahmed Al Mahdi has been reduced by two years.
The Malian had been sentenced to nine years in prison for his participation in the destruction of nine of the Mausoleums of Timbuktu during the occupation of northern Mali by the jihadists of Ansar Dine and Aqmi in 2012. Ahmed Al Mahdi should leave on September 18, 2022 the Scottish prison where he was sent to serve his sentence.
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With our correspondent in The Hague
,
Stéphanie Maupas
Two arguments in particular convinced the judges.
They believe first of all that the former head of the hesbah, the Morals Police of Timbuktu, will be able to reintegrate socially.
They also consider that his cooperation with the prosecutor's office has been flawless.
From his first interrogations by the prosecutor's investigators in Niger, where he was detained following his arrest by the Barkhane force, Al Mahdi had wished to cooperate.
In court, he then pleaded guilty to war crimes.
And had provided a lot of information to the prosecutor, allowing him to expand his files on the crimes committed in Mali.
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To read also: Abu Turab, destroyer of the mausoleums of Timbuktu, asks forgiveness to get out of prison
But if his lawyers demanded his immediate release;
he will still have to spend more than nine months in prison.
Because if some of the victims agree to forgive the former jihadist, others are opposed to his release.
They believe that Al Mahdi could join armed groups again and cause unrest.
As for the authorities, they consider that the Malians, and first and foremost the inhabitants of Timbuktu, have not yet "
healed the wounds caused by the misdeeds
" of the condemned.
Ahmed Al Mahdi is scheduled for release on September 18, 2022, but his future destination remains unknown for now.
He could seek asylum in another not in the region.
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To read also: Destruction of the mausoleums of Timbuktu: a verdict without surprise
The judges of the #CPI render a decision on the review of the sentence of Mr. #AlMahdi.
Find out more ⤵ https://t.co/jNmcL9mwPj
- ICC-Int.
(@CourPenaleInt) November 25, 2021
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Mali
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