Mali journalist detained after anti-junta remarks
A prominent Malian journalist has been placed in custody following a court summons, days after publicly criticizing the ruling junta during a Bamako media forum.
- Published in Bamako, Mali
Chahana Takiou, editor-in-chief of the biweekly newspaper 22 Septembre, was summoned to the cybercrime prosecutor’s office on Monday afternoon. His comments came just days after he openly criticized the military leadership during the Pan-African Media Forum held in Bamako from June 3 to 6.
A judicial source confirmed that Takiou has been remanded in custody under charges of undermining state credibility through the judicial system. His trial is scheduled for July 27.
Family members confirmed the detention to local media.
During the forum, Takiou argued, “There is no peace dynamic in Mali. Instead of prosecuting journalists under press laws, authorities are applying cybercrime statutes.” His remarks were made during a panel moderated by Bamako prosecutor Idrissa Hamidou Touré.
The Mali Press House issued a statement expressing strong condemnation of the detention, calling it a blatant violation of press freedom. The statement also criticized what it described as the tarnishing of Mali’s justice system and international image.
