Trial of Guinea opposition leader Aliou Bah on defamation charges continues
The trial of Aliou Bah, leader of the Liberal Democratic Movement (MoDel), resumed in Conakry, where he faces charges of "offence and defamation" against junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya.
Faya Millimono, president of the Liberal Block (Bloc Libéral), expressed solidarity with Bah, saying, "I'm here to support my young brother. He shouldn't feel alone—he's fighting a noble battle, and others are alongside him."
Millimono emphasised the importance of judicial independence in the process: We hope magistrates will focus on the law and not condemn Aliou for having an opinion."
Bah’s lawyer, Pépé Antoine Lamah, challenged the charges, describing them as baseless: "The flimsiness of the allegations allowed us to dismantle them using valid arguments, reason, and the law." Lamah also pointed out inconsistencies, noting that the public prosecutor initially included the junta leader’s name in the proceedings but later removed it, suggesting the head of state does not identify with the case.
General Mamady Doumbouya, who led the 2021 coup that ousted President Alpha Condé, pledged under international pressure to transition to civilian rule by 2024. However, this has yet to occur. In his New Year address, Doumbouya announced plans to set a date for a constitutional referendum in early 2025.