A Guinean court sentenced ex-dictator Moussa Dadis Camara to 20 years in jail for crimes against humanity on Wednesday, following a landmark trial over a 2009 massacre at a political rally.
Seven other defendants received terms of up to life imprisonment.
Security forces were heavily deployed for the hearing, which was eagerly anticipated by victims’ families for nearly 15 years.
Just before sentencing, the court classified the charges as crimes against humanity, a significant legal designation.
The court also ordered compensation for the victims, ranging from 200 million to 1.5 billion Guinean francs ($23,000 to $174,000).
This decision brought a sense of justice and relief to those affected by the violence.
On September 28, 2009, security forces brutally suppressed an opposition rally in Conakry, resulting in at least 156 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and 109 rapes.
The trial was crucial for survivors like Kadiatou Sow, who sought accountability for the atrocities.
Human Rights Watch welcomed the judgement, with Tamara Aburamadan noting its significance for justice in Guinea and beyond.
The trial, which began on September 28, 2022, captivated the nation and provided a platform for victims’ testimonies.