Mali: Broadcaster Imprisoned Over Criticism of Junta

A Malian court has handed seven-year prison sentences to a prominent broadcaster and an influencer who have been critical of the country’s military rulers.

Television and radio commentator Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, popularly known as Ras Bath, and campaigner Rokia Doumbia, who is known online as “Rose, the cost of living”, were convicted by a Bamako court on charges including criminal conspiracy and discrediting the state.

The pair were also given an additional three-year suspended sentence.

Both had been detained since March 2023 following a programme hosted by Ras Bath that focused on the economic hardships facing ordinary Malians, AFP reports.

Ras Bath’s appearance in court drew attention after his visibly weakened condition shocked supporters. His trial began on August 10 at the criminal chamber of the Bamako Court of Appeal.

According to two lawyers who spoke to AFP anonymously, prosecutors argued that Ras Bath posed a threat to the military authorities and should be kept away from radio and social media.

The prosecution also alleged that the broadcaster and Doumbia were working together, citing two previous occasions when Ras Bath had hosted her on his programme.

Their lawyers rejected the allegations.

Ras Bath’s father, former government minister Mohamed Aly Bathily, who is also part of his son’s defence team, said the family had yet to decide whether to appeal the verdict.

The convictions are the latest in a series of legal actions against critics of Mali’s military government, which has ruled the country since coups in 2020 and 2021.