Guinea Junta Pardons Ex-dictator Convicted for 2009 Massacre

Guinea’s junta has pardoned ex-dictator Moussa “Dadis” Camara, who was serving a 20-year sentence for the 2009 stadium massacre that killed at least 157 protesters and saw dozens of women raped. The victims were demonstrating against Camara’s presidential ambitions following his 2008 coup. Though the military blamed “uncontrolled” troops, witnesses said Camara’s presidential guards encircled the stadium, trapping victims. A few months later, there was an assassination attempt on Camara’s life, leading him to flee. After over a decade in exile, he returned to Guinea in 2021 and was convicted in 2024. Survivors and families condemned the pardon, calling it a betrayal after years of seeking justice. His controversial release deepens concerns over Guinea’s commitment to accountability and human rights.

Source: AP