Three prominent Malian artists – Babani Kone, Mariam Bah, and Binguini Bagaga – were remanded in custody on Tuesday by the Prosecutor of the National Cybercrime Unit.
They face charges of “mutual insults” and “violation of morality” stemming from exchanges deemed offensive on social media. Their trial is scheduled for September 4, judicial sources confirmed to APA.
The three women are accused of publicly insulting each other online through comments and content considered defamatory and contrary to public morality. Having initially been questioned on July 9 by the Specialized Brigade, they are now subject to formal legal proceedings under Malian Law No. 2019-056 on cybercrime. According to the arrest warrant, authorities are specifically citing Article 20, which criminalizes the electronic dissemination of writings or images contrary to public morality, and Article 23, which punishes public insults committed digitally. The precise details of the alleged offending remarks and images have not been publicly disclosed.
The accused artists possess distinct public profiles. Babani Kone is a respected traditional music singer, widely recognized within Mali’s cultural scene and the diaspora. Mariam Bah gained notoriety through her songs and often controversial online contributions. Binguini Bagaga is primarily known for her active participation in social media debates.
This case has generated significant public discussion within the country, reigniting debates on the boundaries of online freedom of expression and the responsibility of public figures regarding their digital conduct. The artists will remain in pretrial detention until their court appearance in September.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA