An appeals court in Bamako, Mali, has upheld the prison sentence of former prime minister Moussa Mara, confirming the conviction handed down in October 2025 over his social media comments in support of detained political figures. The decision was made on February 9, 2026, and leaves his two-year sentence intact including one year to be served in prison and one year suspended along with a 500,000 CFA franc fine.
Moussa Mara, who served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015, was arrested in August 2025 after posting messages expressing solidarity with opposition figures he described as “prisoners of conscience.” Mali’s authorities charged him under the country’s cybercrime law with undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority.
Critics say the ruling reflects growing efforts by Mali’s military-led government to curb dissent and restrict freedom of expression. Human rights organizations have condemned the decision, calling it politically motivated and part of a broader pattern of targeting critics of the junta. Mara’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal further to Mali’s highest court.