Mali: new postponement of the trial of opponent Oumar Mariko

Oumar Mariko, Malian opponent.

AFP PHOTO/ ISSOUF SANOGO

Text by: David Baché

2 mins

Malian opponent Oumar Mariko was to be tried on Wednesday August 31, but the hearing scheduled for this morning at the High Court of Commune 4 in Bamako has been postponed.

The president of the Sadi party is being prosecuted, with two co-defendants, for insults uttered against the transitional Prime Minister, Choguel Maïga, who is still at rest after having suffered from discomfort two weeks ago.

The insults alleged against Oumar Mariko were held in a private message, subsequently broadcast on social networks.

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According to judicial sources, the trial of Oumar Mariko has been postponed to December 28, for appearance, at the request of his lawyer.

Same approach for one of his co-defendants, activist Bouba Fané, whose real name is Boubacar Soumaoro.

Oumar Mariko has been accused since

last December of having

insulted transitional Prime Minister

Choguel Maïga in a private WhatsApp message.

Bouba Fané is accused of having violated the secrecy of this communication.

Both men are currently in exile abroad.

“ 

In criminal matters, lawyers cannot represent their clients

, explains one of Oumar Mariko's advisers,

but the request for nullity to obtain the annulment of the proceedings can only be done when the debates are open

.

»

Critics of the Malian army

This request for dismissal is therefore presented as the only possible strategy, even if neither Oumar Mariko nor Bouba Fané intend to appear before the judge.

The two men believe they are victims of a political trial and also fear being physically threatened in Mali.

Oumar Mariko fled the country

nearly five months ago.

Gendarmes had burst into his home last April, with brutality according to his entourage, to give him a summons linked to other statements: the president of Sadi had dared to criticize the Malian army, targeted by allegations of abuse. 

A third co-defendant, journalist Bakary Camara, is being prosecuted for spreading the message on social media.

He is currently in Bamako.

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