The Malian journalist sentenced to a year in prison after criticizing the junta

Bamako, Mali — The Malian journalist Chahana Takiou, editor of the biweekly newspaper 22 Septembre, has been sentenced to a year in prison, including six months of suspended sentence and six months of actual imprisonment. The verdict was delivered by the National Cybercrime Unit on August 3, following remarks made during the Pan-African Media Forum in Bamako.

Takiou was arrested in early June after publicly criticizing the transitional authorities during the forum. He argued that the cybercrime law was being misused to prosecute journalists and insisted that press-related offenses should be handled under media-specific legislation. His statement, « Journalism is the same under all skies », drew applause from parts of the audience.

Press freedom under scrutiny in Mali

One of Takiou’s lawyers expressed disappointment at the severity of the sentence. Since seizing power in the 2020 coup, the transitional government led by General Assimi Goïta has faced repeated accusations of restricting civic space. Human rights and press freedom organizations have condemned the use of judicial proceedings, arrests, and political party dissolutions to suppress dissent.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Mali 121st out of 180 countries in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, underscoring the growing challenges facing independent journalism in the country.

Press freedom in a context of insecurity

The journalist’s conviction comes at a time when Mali is grappling with over a decade of multifaceted crises. The country faces relentless jihadist attacks, intercommunal violence, and political instability, further complicating the work of media professionals amid tightening restrictions.