Mali jails junta critics Ras Bath, Rokia Doumbia for seven years

A Malian court has sentenced prominent broadcaster Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, popularly known as Ras Bath, and social media influencer Rokia Doumbia to seven years in prison for criticising the country’s military government.

The Bamako Court of Appeal handed down the sentences on Monday, with the two also receiving an additional three-year suspended prison term, according to an AFP journalist who witnessed the proceedings.

Bathily was convicted of criminal conspiracy and discrediting the state, while Doumbia, known online as “Rose, the cost of living,” was sentenced alongside him.

Both had been in detention since 2023 following a broadcast in which Bathily discussed the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Malians.

Bathily, a popular television and radio commentator known for his outspoken criticism of the authorities, invited Doumbia onto his programme on two occasions. Prosecutors subsequently accused the pair of acting in concert against the military government.

Their lawyers rejected the allegations.

Bathily’s appearance in court drew attention after he appeared visibly emaciated following more than three years in detention. His trial began on August 10 at the criminal chamber of the Bamako Court of Appeal.

Two lawyers familiar with the proceedings told AFP that prosecutors had described Bathily as a threat to the junta and argued that he should be kept away from social media and radio.

Bathily, whose motto is “shock to educate,” has built a substantial following, particularly among young Malians, through his outspoken commentary. His criticism of successive governments has also resulted in several encounters with the law.

In July 2023, he was acquitted of separate charges over claims that former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga had been assassinated while in detention under the military authorities.

The latest convictions come amid growing restrictions on political and civic freedoms under Mali’s military government, which seized power following coups in 2020 and 2021.

Under General Assimi Goita, the junta has dissolved political parties and tightened restrictions on dissent while failing to meet its earlier pledge to return the country to civilian rule by March 2024.

Mali has also continued to face a severe security crisis, with jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, criminal gangs and armed separatists operating across parts of the country.