A prominent Malian journalist has been remanded in custody following a court summons, just days after publicly criticizing the ruling junta during a major media forum in Bamako. The detention of Chahana Takiou, editor-in-chief of the biweekly newspaper *22 septembre*, has sparked concerns over press freedom and judicial practices in the West African nation.
Legal action under cybercrime law
On Monday afternoon, Mr. Takiou was summoned by the prosecutor of Bamako’s cybercrime unit in connection with remarks made during the Panafrican Media Forum, held in the capital from June 3 to 6. According to judicial sources, he was placed under pre-trial detention on charges of “undermining state credibility through the judiciary.” His trial is scheduled for July 27.
Family members confirmed his detention to local press, though no further details were immediately available regarding his current whereabouts or conditions of confinement.
Controversial remarks at media event
During a panel discussion at the forum, moderated by Idrissa Hamidou Touré, a Bamako-based prosecutor, Mr. Takiou delivered a scathing critique of the military leadership. “There is no peace process in Mali. Instead of prosecuting journalists under the existing press laws, authorities are invoking cybercrime legislation to silence dissent,” he declared.
His comments came as part of a broader discussion on press freedom and the challenges facing independent journalism in the region. The forum, which drew regional media professionals, highlighted ongoing tensions between the junta and critical voices.
Press community condemns detention
In response to the journalist’s incarceration, the Mali Press House issued a strongly worded statement expressing “bewilderment and deep concern.” The organization, along with other media advocacy groups, condemned what they described as a “blatant violation of press freedom and freedom of expression.”
The statement further argued that the use of cybercrime laws to prosecute journalists “tarnishes the reputation of Mali’s justice system and undermines democratic principles.”
