Club de Madrid expresses its deep concern over the trial against Moussa Mara, former Prime Minister of Mali and a Member of our organization, being unjustly prosecuted for expressing solidarity with victims of political violence. The trial opened yesterday in Bamako and a new hearing is foreseen for late October.
The prosecution has requested a two-year prison sentence, in a process that represents a serious democratic setback and a blatant violation of the right to freedom of expression and political association.
Club de Madrid reiterates its call on Malian authorities to drop all charges and immediately and unconditionally release Moussa Mara. Defending democratic leaders persecuted for exercising their fundamental rights is defending democracy worldwide.