Guinea’s ruling junta has pardoned former dictator Moussa “Dadis” Camara, who was serving a 20-year sentence for crimes against humanity linked to the 2009 stadium massacre.
Camara was convicted in July 2024 for his role in the killing of at least 157 protesters and the rape of dozens of women by soldiers.
The massacre occurred when security forces opened fire on demonstrators opposing Camara’s bid for the presidency, a year after he seized power in a coup.
Survivors recall scenes of horror as troops surrounded the stadium, blocking all exits.
Many victims were shot, stabbed, or trampled to death. Women were dragged from hiding places and gang-raped by uniformed men, some over multiple days.
Families were forced to wait before retrieving bodies, while many victims were never found.
The junta at the time blamed “uncontrolled” elements of the military for the atrocities, but reports indicated that Camara’s aides were present and failed to intervene.
Human rights organizations condemned the killings as a deliberate attack on civilians.
“For us, it’s all hope that’s gone,” said Idrissa Sow, a metalworker whose nephew was killed. “After years of pain and a long trial, the executioner walks free.”
Camara fled into exile after surviving an assassination attempt months after the massacre.
He returned to Guinea in 2022 and was later imprisoned.
In December, armed men briefly freed him from jail before he was recaptured hours later, in what his lawyer called a kidnapping.
The junta, led by Mamady Doumbouya since 2021, has not explained the rationale behind the pardon.
The decision has reignited anger and deepened concerns about justice and accountability in Guinea.
