The military government of Guinea’s rulers pardoned former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara and sentenced him to 20 years in less than a year because crimes against humanity were linked to the worst massacre in the country.
A decree read on state television says pardons are granted for health reasons.
In 2009, troops under his command opened fire during a rally, demanding a return to civilian rule, killing more than 150 people. Dozens of women were also raped.
Camara longtime Lansana Conté seized power when he died in 2008. Shortly after the Holocaust, he fled in assassination attempts, but returned in 2022 to face justice, insisting that he was innocent.
Camara, 61, was almost unknown army captain when she led the coup. After 22 months of trial, he was convicted in July 2024 along with seven military commanders.
His pardon comes after news announced earlier this week, with the current military government intending to pay compensation to victims of the Holocaust – Kamala and other convicted persons have been ordered by the court.
According to judicial information, the website of international justice reported, the estimated expenditure breakdown is:
-
$173,000 (£134,000) – Every rape victim
-
$115,500-everything or missing
-
$57,000-Every Case
-
$23,000-Torture per case.
The massacre took place in September 2009, when thousands of people gathered at a stadium in the capital Conakry, urging Camara not to participate in the presidential election.
Many people were hit, stabbed, beaten or crushed when security forces opened fire and rushed into the stadium. At least 109 girls and women were raped.
It is unclear what health problems Kamara faces. “Everyone is happy. We thank the president,” his younger brother, Jean Dadis Camara, told AFP.
When Kamala was shot and fled Guinea, he received six weeks of treatment in Morocco before living in Burkina Faso for 12 years.
His representatives continued to organize an election in 2010, ushering in a decade of civilian rule, which brought Alpha Condé to president.
He overthrew him in a coup in September 2021 after protesting against his controversial third term.
You may also be right:
go bbcafrica.com More news about the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @bbcafrica,on Facebook BBC Africa Or on Instagram bbcafraca
BBC Africa Podcast
