Former Mali PM Charged in Social Media Clampdown

Former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara has been charged with undermining the credibility of the state following a supportive social media post for political prisoners, according to Al Jazeera. Mara, who previously served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015, was detained after sharing a post on the platform X, formerly Twitter, on July 4.

In his post, Mara detailed his visits to political detainees and pledged to fight for their justice, stating, "As long as the night lasts, the sun will obviously appear! We will fight by all means for this to happen as soon as possible!" His legal team has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, with a trial set for September 29.

Mara's arrest highlights a broader clampdown on dissent by Mali's military rulers, ramped up since Mali's initial pro-democracy rally post-junta takeover four years ago. Mara's lawyer, Mountaga Tall, indicated the former PM faces multiple accusations, including inciting public disorder amid increasing repression following General Assimi Goita's extended rule.

(With inputs from agencies.)