A court in Benin has condemned academic and political opponent Joël Aïvo to 10 years behind bars.
The former presidential candidate was detained last April, the day after president Patrice Talon was re-elected with 86% of the vote.
Joël Aïvo rejected the accusations of “conspiracy against the State” and “moneylaudering”, denouncing the role of the court in silencing the opposition.
Rich businessman Patrice Talon was first elected in 2016 and is accused of authoritarianism by his opponents.
The CRIET, a special court set up in 2016, is often accused of serving as a tool by the regime to crackdown on the opposition.
Once praised for its vibrant multi-party democracy, Benin has veered into authoritarian rule under former cotton magnate Talon, critics say.
In the lead-up to the vote, two people were killed when troops opened fire to clear opposition protesters blockading a major highway.
Some opposition figures have fled the country while others were disqualified from running in elections, or targeted for investigation.