Prosecutors Seek Jail Term for Guinean Teacher

Guinean prosecutors asked a Conakry court on Monday to sentence teacher and civil liberties advocate Bella Bah to one year in prison for publicly insulting the capital’s Grand Mosque chief imam, Mamadou Saliou Camara.

Authorities jailed Bah on August 13, following an August 8 incident in which his wife and a witness reported that unknown individuals abducted him from his school.

His arrest occurred hours after he published and subsequently deleted a social media post calling Chief Imam Camara “dishonest, corrupt, and manipulative” and accusing him of guaranteeing state injustice.

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During the hearing, the prosecution demanded an “exemplary” one-year unsuspended sentence, claiming they had proven the charges.

While Bah acknowledged making some of the remarks, he denied any intent to insult the cleric, and his defence team requested a full acquittal, noting that Imam Camara had publicly forgiven Bah and urged official leniency.

Prosecutors seek jail term for Guinean teacher (News Central TV) — Prosecutors seek jail term for Guinean teacher. Credit: Jeune Afrique

The trial highlights a broader crackdown on dissent under military ruler General Mamady Doumbouya, whose government regularly suppresses protests and arrests opposition figures. The court plans to deliver its ruling on Wednesday.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.