2023-11-29 02:05:36
In Guinea, the trial of the massacre of September 28, 2009 – at least 156 people killed and 109 women raped – resumed on November 28, 2023 with the testimony of Oumar Sanoh, who was chief of general staff of the armed forces at the material time. The day before, the defense lawyers refused to participate in the debate, complaining of no longer having access to their clients, following the draconian security measures introduced at the Kaloum central house after its spectacular attack by an armed commando on November 4 .
In Guineathe trial of the massacre of September 28, 2009, which left more than 150 dead and more than 100 women raped during a bloodily repressed opposition meeting, was able to resume on November 28, 2023. The defense lawyers agreed to participate in the hearing.
Restrictions lifted
On strike the day before, the latter denounced the draconian security measures put in place at the Kaloum central house after the attack on November 4; attack by an armed commando which had enabled the release of four accused, one of whom (Claude Pivi) is still on the run. Measures that prevented them from having access to their customers.
The Ministry of Justice has decided to lift these restrictions. Since this Tuesday morning, the floor has been given to the man who was chief of general staff of the armed forces at the time of the events, General Oumar Sanoh, as a witness.
Shortly after 10 a.m., Oumar Sanoh walked towards the bar. Gray suit and purple checkered tie, he was questioned by the defense. Lawyers who opted for the attack. Their strategy was clear: they tried to reverse the roles between this man who held high office during the junta era and their clients who are now in the dock. Oumar Sanoh was not prosecuted in the case and it is this element that the councils have pointed out one after the other.
« I can’t deny that »
The former chief of general staff of the armed forces defended himself. “ I was told that soldiers left for the stadium, I can’t deny thathe asserted, but I was limited ».
According to him, part of the army escaped his control: the presidential guard reported directly to the presidency. A lawyer then stepped into the breach. “ So you’re in your office, Guinea is burning, but you’re never going to act “, he said. “ You were unable to save a citizen or arrest a personhe continues. Don’t you think, General, that with your inaction, you deserve to be prosecuted before this tribunal? » The president interrupted him: “ For the moment, he’s a witness. »
As a reminder, the day before, the hearing lasted only 20 minutes, time for the lawyers to explain the reasons for their boycott of the trial.
RFI
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