A Bamako court delivered its verdict on Monday, December 30, 2024, sentencing Issa Kaou Ndjim to a two-year prison sentence, one of which is firm, for “public insult to a foreign head of state” and “insults through information systems.”
This decision follows the hearing on December 23, during which the prosecutor had requested a one-year prison sentence and a fine of five million CFA francs against Mr.
Ndjim. Issa Kaou Ndjim, a Malian political figure and former early supporter of the transitional authorities before changing sides, was arrested and placed in pretrial detention on 13 November 2024.
His arrest followed his participation in a programme broadcast on 10 November on the private channel Joliba TV News, during which he questioned the credibility of a supposed foiled coup in Burkina Faso, calling the event a “staged” event.
These remarks prompted a reaction from the Higher Council for Communication of Burkina Faso, which referred the matter to its Malian counterpart, the High Authority for Communication (HAC).
Sanctions against Joliba TV News
In response, the HAC initially revoked Joliba TV News’ broadcasting license on 21 November 2024, leading to the suspension of its programmes.
After negotiations and an appeal by the channel, the HAC revised its decision, opting for a six-month suspension instead of a permanent withdrawal of the license.
Former spokesman for Imam Mahmoud Dicko, currently in exile, Issa Kaou Ndjim was one of the main architects of the fall of the former president, the late Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (IBK).
MD/te/fss/as/APA