Mali: 10 years in prison requested against Ras Bath, verdict expected on August 17.

The trial continued on August 11 before the Bamako Court of Appeal, under heavy surveillance and behind closed doors. The defense pleaded for the acquittal of the two defendants and contested the value of several items presented at the hearing.

During its submissions, the prosecution argued that Ras Bath and Rokia Doumbia acted as part of the same enterprise. The prosecutor described them as being “in criminal association,” although the publicly reported discussions did not indicate any specific act they had committed together.

The representative of the prosecution also stated that, given the political context in Mali, the columnist needed to be “prevented from causing harm” to the current authorities. He asserted that the release of individuals like Ras Bath would pose a danger to the momentum initiated by the authorities, remarks that fall under the prosecution’s argumentation rather than a judicial decision.

The prosecution requested a 10-year prison sentence for Ras Bath. For Rokia Doumbia, they asked for a 10-year sentence, with five years suspended.

The defense contests the elements of the case

The lawyers for the two defendants requested their acquittal. They notably relied on the testimony records to support that Ras Bath and Rokia Doumbia were never questioned about committing an offense they supposedly prepared or executed together.

The defense also requested the annulment of the audio recordings presented as evidence in court. The court still needs to rule on this challenge as well as on the merits of the prosecution.

The trial follows an initial hearing marked by the presence of numerous supporters of Ras Bath, some of whom carried him triumphantly out of the court while chanting “Free Ras Bath.” This gathering led to an increased security presence around the Bamako Court of Appeal.

At the conclusion of the Tuesday hearing, the case was adjourned for deliberation. The verdict is expected on August 17.