Lawyers in Guinea have commenced a two-week strike to protest what they denounce as the “arbitrary arrests” of citizens under the junta’s rule.
The strike, which began on July 9th, could potentially disrupt the landmark trial of former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara for alleged crimes against humanity.
The Guinean bar association spokesperson, Gabriel Kamano, stated that the strike aims to “protest against arbitrary arrests and other kidnappings followed by secret detention of Guinean citizens.”
This action comes after the arrest of Oumar Sylla (Fonike Mengue) and Mamadou Billo Bah, leaders of a citizen movement advocating for a return to civilian rule.
The lawyers’ strike coincides with the closing arguments in the Dadis Camara trial scheduled for July 31st. While authorities maintain the trial will proceed, it remains unclear if the verdict will be read on that date due to the strike.
The trial itself has been a significant event for Guinea, seeking justice for the 2009 massacre, a dark chapter in the nation’s history. Dadis Camara, along with eleven others, faces charges of murder, sexual violence, torture, and kidnapping.
This strike highlights the tense political climate in Guinea since the 2021 military coup that ousted elected president Alpha Conde.
The military junta has cracked down on any attempts to mobilize for civilian rule, dissolving the FNDC civil society collective and banning demonstrations in 2022.
Opposition leaders face arrest, prosecution, or exile, while media outlets have also been targeted with license withdrawals. The lawyers’ strike serves as a powerful statement against these suppressive measures.
