During opening arguments, lawyers representing victims urged the court to reclassify the charges against eleven defendants from murder and other serious offenses to crimes against humanity.
Lawyer Hamidou Barry, representing the victims, argued that the brutality of the acts – including killings, torture, and widespread sexual assaults – meets the legal definition of crimes against humanity.
The trial, which began in September 2022, involves former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara and ten other former officials accused of the massacre.
The violence occurred in September 2009 when security forces suppressed an opposition rally, resulting in at least 156 deaths, hundreds injured, and over 100 women raped.
Ongoing Proceedings:
The court is currently hearing arguments from civil parties on behalf of victims. The prosecution previously argued for the same reclassification in March 2024. The court has yet to rule on the reclassification request but will address it before the August recess.
The 2009 massacre remains a stain on Guinea’s political history. The victims’ lawyers hope this trial will bring justice and recognition of the horrific acts committed.
APA/fss/abj with AFP