Guinea: Senior UN officials welcome verdict in 2009 stadium massacre trial
On Wednesday, a court in Conakry found former President Moussa Dadis Camara and several other military leaders guilty of crimes against humanity. Four other men were acquitted.
Those convicted must also pay compensation to victims and their families.
Right to justice
“After nearly 15 years, victims, survivors and their families have the right to full justice and transparency,” the UN human rights chief said. Volker Türkiye speak.
“It is necessary to continue on the path that Guinea has embarked on towards ending lawlessness and ensuring that all those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable,” he added.
The High Commissioner also called for further strengthening Guinea’s judicial institutions and ensuring their independence as key to preventing such violations from recurring.
Murder, sexual violence and torture
At least 156 people were killed, many more are missing, and at least 109 girls and women suffered sexual violence, including genital mutilation and sexual slavery, when security forces and the military attacked a peaceful political protest at Conakry Stadium on 28 September 2009.
Some victims were tortured to death and buried in mass graves.
A United Nations Commission of Inquiry was then established to determine the facts and circumstances, identify those responsible, and make recommendations.
With the support of the United Nations human rights office, OHCHRThe Commission concluded at the time that there was a “strong presumption that crimes against humanity had been committed”, with “reasonable grounds to doubt the criminal responsibility of the individual”.
“People who have lost loved ones and those who have suffered torture and sexual violence have the right to comprehensive psychosocial and financial support,” said Mr. Türk.
The High Commissioner noted that the Government of Guinea also needs to determine the whereabouts of all missing persons and ensure that those responsible for enforced disappearances and related violations are held accountable.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring the defendant’s right to appeal.
A strong message against impunity
A senior UN official working to end wartime rape also welcomed the outcome of the trial.
Pramila PattenSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, speak The sentence sends a strong message that retribution will not be tolerated and reaffirms the commitment to protecting the rights of survivors.
“The first instance judgment is a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for survivors of sexual violence and accountability for perpetrators. Sexual violence crimes are always at the heart of this accountability process, both in the investigation and in the trial,” she added.
The Office of the Special Representative has supported this process since 2011, when the Government of Guinea and the United Nations signed a joint communique on the fight against impunity for the events of 28 September 2009, including sexual violence.
Through its Expert Team on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Office provided technical assistance to investigating judges throughout the investigation phase and established a steering committee to organize the trial.
Ms Patten commended the important efforts of the Guinean government in organising a nationally owned process.
She also praised the proactive role of the national judicial system and the professionalism of the judges in conducting a fair trial.
