Mali junta using cybercrime laws to silence journalists, IPI warns

The International Press Institute has expressed concern over Mali's military authorities utilizing cybercrime laws to target journalists and curtail their reporting. This comes after several Malian journalists were arrested, prosecuted and sentenced for their critical reports, public remarks and criticism of the authorities. Nompilo Simanje, IPI Africa Programme Lead, stated in a statement published on Thursday that this trend of weaponising cybercrime provisions against journalists was becoming increasingly common across Africa, including in Mali, Zambia and Nigeria.

She called for a review of these laws to ensure they align with international standards on freedom of expression. The institute highlighted cases such as that of Chahana Takiou, editor of 22 Septembre, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison and fined for undermining the state's credibility, and Abdrahamane Keita of Le Témoin, who was detained for making comments about the security situation in northern Mali.

Another case involves Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, also known as Ras Bath, a Malian radio and television commentator, who is being prosecuted for criminal association and undermining the credibility of the state through information and communication technologies. Simanje urged the Malian authorities to release journalists imprisoned for their work and to cease the misuse of criminal and cybercrime provisions to suppress critical reporting.

Mali amended its Penal Code in December 2024 to include provisions from the 2019 cybercrime law, and a specialised cybercrime unit was established to enforce offences involving digital and telecommunications technologies.