Bamako, Mali –Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, widely known as Ras Bath, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, with nine months suspended, in a ruling issued on March 11, 2024.
The popular radio host and columnist was found guilty of “simulation of an offence” over comments he made regarding the death of former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga. Ras Bath, who has already spent a year in detention, remains incarcerated as he faces additional charges, including “criminal conspiracy” and actions likely to tarnish the State’s reputation.
He was originally arrested in March 2023 after alleging that authorities had refused to evacuate Maïga for medical care, leading to his death. While he was acquitted in July 2023 of the “simulation of an offence” charge, a subsequent appeal reversed the decision, convicting him of bringing the State into disrepute and sentencing him to nine months in prison.
Despite repeated calls for his release, authorities have rejected requests, citing the ongoing charges against him and an active committal order.
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