A court in Mali has sentenced prominent broadcaster Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, popularly known as Ras Bath, and influencer Rokia Doumbia to seven years in prison. It found them guilty of criminal conspiracy and discrediting the state, making this one of the most notable cases of Mali junta critics jailed in recent times.
The Bamako Court of Appeal’s criminal chamber handed down the sentences on Monday. This was according to an AFP journalist who attended the proceedings, further supporting the international attention on high-profile Mali junta critics jailed.
The court also imposed an additional three years’ suspended imprisonment on both defendants. They have been in custody since March 2023, following a growing wave of Mali junta critics jailed and prosecuted during this period.
Ras Bath is a well-known television and radio commentator. Meanwhile, Doumbia is widely known online as “Rose, the cost of living”. Both had been critical of Mali’s military government. The government seized power after successive coups in 2020 and 2021.
Their convictions followed a 2023 programme hosted by Ras Bath that focused on the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Malians. Consequently, Mali junta critics jailed have become a key reflection of the current political climate in the country.
The prosecution accused the two of being associated with each other. It pointed to Doumbia’s appearances on Ras Bath’s programme on two occasions. Lawyers representing Ras Bath, however, rejected the allegations.
The broadcaster’s appearance in court had already attracted widespread attention after his visibly emaciated and gaunt appearance shocked many Malians. His trial opened on August 10 at the Bamako Court of Appeal.
Two lawyers familiar with the proceedings told AFP, on condition of anonymity, that prosecutors described Ras Bath as a threat to the military authorities.
According to the lawyers, the prosecutor argued that “Ras Bath is a danger” to the junta. He also claimed that “he must be kept a long way from social media and the radio”.
Ras Bath has built a significant following, particularly among young Malians, through his outspoken style and the motto “shock to educate”. In addition, his criticism of authorities has resulted in several confrontations with the law.
In July 2023, he was acquitted in a separate case after being accused of falsely claiming that former prime minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga had been “assassinated” while in detention under the military authorities.
The latest convictions come amid growing restrictions on political and civic freedoms in Mali. These have increased since the military took control of the country.
Under General Assimi Goita, the junta has faced criticism for failing to fulfil its earlier commitment to return the country to civilian rule by March 2024. Political parties have been dissolved. Additionally, critics of the government have increasingly faced legal and other forms of pressure.
Mali has also continued to struggle with a prolonged security crisis that began in 2012. The country has faced attacks by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. There has also been violence involving criminal gangs and armed separatist groups.
The sentencing of Ras Bath and Doumbia further highlights the shrinking space for dissent in the West African country. This is happening as the military government continues to consolidate its control.
