Guinea’s ruling military junta has ignited outrage by pardoning former dictator Moussa “Dadis” Camara. Camara was serving a 20-year sentence for his role in the horrific 2009 stadium massacre.
A decree broadcast on state television announced the controversial decision.
In July 2024, Camara was convicted of crimes against humanity for the stadium killings where at least 157 perished.
Dozens of women also suffered brutal rapes at the hands of soldiers.
Troops unleashed gunfire on peaceful demonstrators protesting Camara’s presidential ambitions. This occurred a year after he seized power in a coup.
Witnesses recounted scenes of unimaginable brutality, with victims shot, crushed, and knifed.
Uniformed men reportedly dragged women from hiding to perpetrate gang rapes over several days.
Camara’s own presidential guard sealed the stadium, trapping countless individuals inside. Families endured days before being allowed to collect the remains of their loved ones.
Idrissa Sow, who tragically lost his nephew, voiced the profound despair felt by victims’ families.
He lamented the pardon as the crushing end to years of agonizing pain and a two-year trial.
Camara had returned to Guinea after a period of exile following an assassination attempt. The current junta, led by Mamady Doumbouya, took control in September 2021.
During his trial, Camara claimed he was asleep while the massacre unfolded. Guinea’s junta frees ex-leader jailed for stadium massacre
Adding another layer of drama, gunmen briefly freed Camara from prison late last year, only for him to be back in custody shortly after.
The pardon now effectively closes a painful chapter, leaving victims’ families reeling in disbelief and sorrow.