Club de Madrid strongly condemns the sentencing of Moussa Mara, former Prime Minister of Mali (2014–2015) andrespected Member of Club de Madrid, to two years in prison for expressing his solidarity with political prisoners through a social media post, interpreted by Malian authorities to have been “undermining state authority” and “inciting public disorder”.
This verdict is a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression and association and illustrates the erosion of human rights and ongoing repression of peaceful dissent under Mali’s military junta. Amnesty International has described the trial as a “travesty of justice” and called for the immediate release of Moussa Mara and others detained solely for expressing their opinions.
The sentencing comes amid a suspension of political activity and the dissolution of parties by Mali’s transitional military authorities, who remain bound by the country’s constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Silencing political leaders and critics undermines not only Mali’s democratic prospects but also stability across the Sahel.
Club de Madrid calls on Malian authorities to overturn this conviction and release Moussa Mara without delay. The organization stands ready to support any genuine efforts to restore dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and protect civic freedoms in Mali. Defending those persecuted for exercising their fundamental rights is defending democracy everywhere.
