In a fervent plea before the court on Monday, the defence team representing Guinean ex-dictator Moussa Dadis Camara argued for his acquittal, maintaining that he had no involvement in the 2009 massacre, widely regarded as one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history. Alongside 11 other government and military officials, Dadis Camara faces multiple charges, including murder, sexual violence, torture, abduction, and kidnapping.
The trial, which has captivated the West African nation, stems from the brutal crackdown on an opposition rally at a stadium in the suburbs of the capital Conakry on September 28, 2009, and the ensuing days. According to a UN-mandated commission of inquiry, at least 156 people were killed, 109 women were raped, and hundreds more were injured, though the actual figures are believed to be higher.
In late May, Guinean prosecutors sought life imprisonment for Dadis Camara and six other defendants, asserting their guilt in committing crimes against humanity during the massacre. However, the former dictator has consistently denied any responsibility, attributing the atrocities to subordinates who he claims acted beyond his control.
Almamy Samory Traore, Dadis Camara’s lawyer, passionately implored the court, stating, “I beg you to acquit Captain Dadis. He must go home, he did nothing.” Traore further contended that Dadis Camara “did everything in his power to prevent this from happening,” characterising the massacre as “an accident designed to sully” the ex-dictator’s image.
The defence’s stance contradicts that of Guinea’s chief prosecutor, Alghassimou Diallo, who, on May 22, denied the defendants any mitigating circumstances, citing their lack of remorse since the landmark trial commenced in September 2022. The defence countered this assertion, emphasising that the ex-president had expressed his compassion on multiple occasions throughout the hearings.
Traore further questioned the motives of the civil plaintiffs, stating, “It’s not justice that these civil plaintiffs are seeking, it’s the conviction of a former head of state.”
The defence case is anticipated to span several days before the judges deliver their verdict at a yet-to-be-determined date. The outcome of this historic trial will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Guinea and its quest for justice and accountability.
