Mali junta uses cybercrime laws to silence journalists, IPI warns

This trend, highlighted by the IPI Africa Programme Lead, Nompilo Simanje, reflects a broader pattern across Africa where cybercrime provisions are used against journalists. Simanje emphasized the need to review and repeal such provisions to align with international freedom of expression standards. The warning follows the imprisonment and prosecution of several Malian journalists.

Chahana Takiou, editor of 22 Septembre, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for undermining the state's credibility after criticizing the use of cybercrime provisions against journalists. Abdrahamane Keita of Le Témoin was detained for comments on the security situation in northern Mali and charged with undermining national unity and disseminating false information. Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, known as Ras Bath, faces charges of criminal association and undermining state credibility through information and communication technologies, stemming from comments about the death of former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga.

The IPI urged Malian authorities to release imprisoned journalists and cease the misuse of criminal and cybercrime provisions. Mali amended its Penal Code in December 2024 to include cybercrime provisions, and a specialized unit, the Pôle national de lutte contre la cybercriminalité, has been established