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The head of Guinea’s junta pardoned former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara for “health reasons” after he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 2009 massacre.
The court’s decision was broadcast on national television.
“A presidential pardon is granted to Mr. Moussa Dadis Camara for health reasons upon the proposal of the Minister of Justice,” the decree stated, which was read out on television late Friday by presidential spokesperson General Amara Camara.
In July, a judge found Dadis Camara guilty of crimes against humanity after a historic trial, and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for what is regarded as one of the worst periods in Guinea’s history.
A UN-mandated international panel of investigation found that at least 156 people were murdered in a massacre at an opposition gathering on September 28, 2009, using guns, knives, machetes, or bayonets.
At least 109 women were raped, and hundreds more were injured.
The torture of detainees and the mistreatment of women in captivity persisted for several days.
Families and human rights agencies claim that just 57 of the victims’ bodies have been found, but the actual number is likely much higher.
According to the judge, Dadis Camara was convicted “based on superior responsibility” in addition to having “his intention to suppress the demonstration” and neglecting to bring the massacre’s responsible parties to justice.
In addition, seven other individuals received prison sentences ranging from one year to life in prison for their involvement in the killing.
A “landmark moment in establishing the truth… and bringing to account those bearing the greatest responsibility for the atrocities committed,” the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor praised the decision.
“I’m thrilled to hear the news,” Jean Dadis Camara, Camera’s younger brother, told AFP.
“Everyone is content. We acknowledge the president. I watched the order on TV,” he remarked.
“For this pardon, we are incredibly appreciative of President Mamadi Doumbouya. The former dictator’s close friend and confidant, Marcus Olivier Thea, declared, “It is the best gift for the whole family.”
Dadis Camara was pardoned when General Mamadi Doumbouya, the commander of the junta, declared on Wednesday that the costs of compensation for the victims of the September 28, 2009, event would be paid.
Depending on the circumstances, the junta would carry out the judge’s restitution for the victims, which might range from 200 million Guinean francs ($23,100) to 1.5 billion Guinean francs ($173,300).
This historic trial was made possible by the junta, which was overthrown in a coup in 2021.
The decrees issued this week coincide with significant limitations on Guinean freedoms.
Numerous junta opponents have vanished or are being questioned by the courts, protests calling for the military’s withdrawal are routinely prohibited, and several media outlets have been shut down nationwide.
