Guinea: Massacre trial awaits landmark verdict

(Brussels) – Judges will review a Landmark domestic trial exist Guinea Human Rights Watch said today that government security forces committed serious human rights violations in 2009. Closing Statement The trial ended on June 26, 2024. The judges said they would consider the verdict by July 31.

The trial was one of the worst abuses in Guinea. Guinean security forces Opened fire on peaceful protesters opposing then-coup leader Moussa Dadis Camara’s candidacy for president. More than 150 people were killed, including more than 100 women Being raped In a stadium in the capital Conakry. Security forces then cover upburying the body in Mass graves.

“All eyes will be on Conakry as the long-awaited verdict will bring reckoning for brutal abuses committed nearly 15 years ago, the effects of which are still being felt by victims and survivors,” he said. Tamara AbramadanInternational Justice Adviser at Human Rights Watch. “Guinea’s government should support further national accountability efforts to strengthen its systems for addressing serious international crimes.”

Victims and survivors in Guinea Multiple appeals To uncover the truth and hold accountable those responsible for the brutal events of 2009.

This test is First of its kind Such a large-scale human rights violation occurred in Guinea. This incident has attracted widespread attention across the country. attentionin the ongoing Repression About opposition, dissidents and mediaHundreds of people were killed and hundreds more were injured. National Security Forces In Guinea, according to A report Amnesty International reports.

Since the trial start As of September 28, 2022, the judge has heard 11 defendantAmong them are former presidents and government ministers, more than 100 people victimAnd a dozen witnessinclude Senior government officials. Before closing arguments start On May 13, the judge again heard the testimony of the three defendants and others, which was the so-called “confrontation” stage.

All parties involved in the trial have made closing arguments over the past few weeks. Lawyers for the 13 civil parties (i.e., victims in the case) then made closing arguments, followed by the prosecution and defense attorneys for the 11 defendants.

According to Human Rights Watch’s monitoring of the trial and Media CoverageLawyers for the victims recounted the horrific events that took place in 2009 and detailed the individual criminal responsibility alleged to have been committed by each defendant. Lawyers for some of the victims ask conviction Crimes against humanity The defendant was sentenced to life imprisonment.

In the event of a conviction, lawyers for at least five victims asked the judge to approve a range of compensation claims – between one billion and three billion Guinean francs ($115,000 to $345,000) for each group of victims, including those who suffered physical and psychological trauma.

Many victims, including Survivors of rape and sexual violenceAccording to the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Victims on 28 September 2009, there is still a lack of medical resources for those injured in the stadium attack and subsequent events.

In closing arguments, the prosecution reiterated its Request to reclassify charges in March The 11 defendants were charged with crimes against humanity and requested further sentences ranging from 14 years to life in prison. The judges said they would rule only on requests to reclassify the charges at sentencing.

The defendants include former government minister Claude Pivi, who Still at large At the time of writing this article Leaving the detention center The armed forces and three other top defendants, including former President Dadis Camara, were released in November 2023. Ten other defendants, including three who left detention, are now in custody.

exist His closing statement,Defense counsel ask The Supreme Court ruled for acquittal and responded to a request by prosecutors to reclassify the charges, arguing that issuing a reclassification decision at sentencing would violate the defendants’ fair trial rights by denying them the opportunity to defend themselves against the new charges.

Guinea Criminal Procedure Law Regulations International Rights of the accusedincluding the right to adequate time and facilities for the preparation of one’s defence and the right to a fair hearing.

After the judgment is pronounced, the defendant and the civil parties have the right to appeal within 15 days. The procuratorate has two months to appeal.

Over the years, Guinea’s international partners, including the United Nations, the European Union and the United States, have encourage September 28, 2009 The pursuit of justice for crimes committed in Guinea has made progress. The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court also seeks Constructive engagement with Guinean authorities Urge them to fulfill their duties Early Commitment To bring justice to this case.

The role of international actors, including the International Criminal Court, appears to be A major factor It is critical that the international community continue to support and engage with the Guinean authorities on vital issues of justice, including the reparations process.

“The conclusion of the stadium massacre trial and the upcoming verdict provide a glimmer of hope for Guinean victims and survivors that justice can prevail over impunity,” Abramadan said. “They deserve to see justice delivered in a fair and effective manner.”