TAKE ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

IMMEDIATELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASE PROFESSOR ÉTIENNE FAKABA SISSOKO

Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, an economist and professor at the University of Bamako, was convicted on charges of defamation, damaging the state’s reputation, and distributing fake news.

He was sentenced to two years in jail, with one year suspended, and a fine of XOF 3 million (approximately 4,500 Euros).

A notable government critic, Etienne Fakaba Sissoko was arrested after the publication of a book titled “Propaganda, Agitation and Harassment – government communication during the transition in Mali” in which he denounced alleged propaganda in the Malian government’s public information campaign.

His arbitrary detention is in violation of his right to freedom of expression. He must be immediately and unconditionally released.

Join us in calling for the immediate release of Étienne - send your letter to the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Mr. Mahamadou Kassogué using our letter-writing tool.

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Minister of Justice and H

Mr. Mahamadou

Kassogué

Minister of Justice and Human Rights

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I am concerned about the arbitrary detention and unlawful conviction of Professor Étienne Fakaba Sissoko to two years in jail, one of which was suspended.

On March 25, 2024, the Judicial Investigation Brigade arrested Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, a university professor, economist, activist, and author, at his home in Bamako. Two days later, he was charged with "harming the reputation of the state", "defamation", and "dissemination of false news disturbing the public peace’’. The charges are related to his book, “Propaganda, Agitation and Harassment – government communication during the transition in Mali”, published in December 2023, in which he was critical of Mali’s military authorities.

Amnesty International believes Etienne Sissoko was sentenced solely because of his activism and criticism, in violation of his rights to freedom of expression.

Therefore, I call upon you to ensure the Malian authorities immediately and unconditionally release Étienne Fakaba Sissoko and quash his conviction. Pending his release, I urge you to ensure that he has access to his lawyers and family.

Kind regards,
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