A prominent Malian economist and professor has been sentenced to two years in prison, one of which was suspended, for his criticism of the military junta.
Étienne Fakaba Sissoko was also ordered to pay a fine of 3 million CFA francs ($4,900; £3,900).
The 41-year-old academic, who has been in custody since March, was accused of defamation and damaging the state’s reputation by distributing false news.
The accusations relate to a book he published last year, which he defended in court, saying the work was based on facts.
Rights groups say this is the latest in a widespread crackdown on critics and political opponents of military rulers.
They came to power in August 2020, when then President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was deposed in a coup following massive anti-government protests over his handling of jihadist unrest.
Sissoko’s lawyer, Ibrahim Marhouf Sacko, said he was “not surprised” by the verdict and would appeal, AFP news agency reported.
The University of Bamako professor previously served as an advisor to the late Keïta and spent several months in prison in 2022, according to AFP.
The work that led to his latest arrest is called Propaganda, Agitation and Harassment – government communication during the transition in Mali.
He accuses the junta of using manipulation and “even lies” to influence public opinion in its favor.
Before his arrest, Sissoko also published a post on Facebook calling for elections.
The junta has faced criticism for reneging on agreed deadlines for the transition to a civil democratic regime. The elections scheduled for February were postponed again.
Critics also say the military-led government has failed to adequately address the worsening jihadist insurgency, despite the alleged deployment of mercenaries from the Wagner group and the expulsion of UN peacekeeping forces.
He has also faced criticism for his handling of the economy.
Earlier this month, participants in what was called a “national dialogue” suggested extending the transition period for another three years.
Several critics of the junta were arrested over the past year, including popular social media influencer Rokia Doumbia and prominent activist Adama Ben Diarra.
In April, the junta also suspended political activities and imposed a media blackout on political coverage.
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