A Guinean court sentenced ex-dictator Moussa Dadis Camara to 20 years in jail for crimes against humanity after a landmark trial over a 2009 massacre at a political rally.
Seven other defendants received terms up to life imprisonment, in a judgement welcomed by rights activists.
Security forces were heavily deployed for the hearing, a case awaited by victims’ families for nearly 15 years.
Just before sentencing, the court announced the charges would be classified as crimes against humanity.
Compensation for victims ranged from 200 million to 1.5 billion Guinean francs.
On September 28, 2009, members of Dadis Camara’s presidential guard, soldiers, police, and militia brutally suppressed an opposition rally in Conakry.
At least 156 people were killed, hundreds wounded, and 109 women raped, according to a UN-mandated commission of inquiry.
Kadiatou Sow, who was raped during the massacre, expressed the trial’s importance, wanting heavy sentences for the soldiers.
Alfa Amadou DS Bah, lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, emphasized the judgement’s significance, marking the first conviction of a former head of state for such serious crimes.
Human Rights Watch welcomed the judgement, stating it offers long-awaited justice for victims and puts high-level perpetrators on notice that justice can prevail.
The trial, which began on September 28, 2022, captivated the nation, with courtroom drama broadcast on television and radio.
