Lawyers representing victims of the 2009 Guinea massacre are pushing for the charges against former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara and 10 others to be reclassified as “crimes against humanity” as the landmark trial nears its conclusion.
The defendants stand accused of orchestrating the brutal crackdown on a pro-democracy rally in Conakry, leading to the deaths of 156 people and the rape of at least 109 women.
Currently facing charges like murder, rape, and torture, victims’ lawyer Hamidou Barry argues these acts constitute “horrendous, regrettable, condemnable and unacceptable crimes against humanity.”
The trial, which began in September 2022, aims to deliver verdicts before the August recess. Civil party lawyers, representing hundreds of victims, will present their closing arguments over the coming days.
The September 28th, 2009 massacre remains a dark stain on Guinea’s history.
A UN investigation revealed at least 156 deaths and hundreds injured at the hands of security forces during the opposition rally.
This violence, the lawyer argues, meets the threshold for crimes against humanity – a classification previously rejected by lower courts.
Barry described the horrific nature of the crimes, detailing abuses beyond just killing and rape. His chilling words capture the barbarity unleashed upon innocent civilians.
Prosecutors, too, sought the “crimes against humanity” charge in March.
The court will finally rule on this reclassification during the final judgment. This decision holds immense significance for holding perpetrators accountable and delivering justice for the victims and their families.
