Colonel Claude Pivi, who was convicted of crimes against humanity for his involvement in a 2009 massacre in Guinea and has been on the run, was apprehended in Liberia, according to his lawyer.
Abdourahmane Dabo confirmed that Pivi is now in the custody of Liberian authorities even though the details of Pivi’s arrest by Liberian police have not been fully disclosed, and the Liberian or Guinean authorities have released no official statements. Dabo, Pivi’s lawyer, expressed the need for authorities to ensure that Pivi’s rights are respected, emphasising that he is unwell.
Following his escape from the Conakry central jail in November, Pivi remained elusive for ten months, causing concern for the survivors and families of the 2009 massacre victims.
The 2009 massacre at the Conakry stadium resulted in the deaths of at least 156 people and left hundreds more injured during a crackdown on an opposition rally. The incident also involved the rape of at least 109 women and numerous other human rights abuses, marking a dark period in Guinea’s history.
Pivi was convicted of crimes against humanity in August and was sentenced to life in prison. The trial of suspects involved in the massacre, which commenced in 2022, included the presence of former military junta head Moussa Dadis Camara, who had previously escaped from prison alongside Pivi and two other individuals.
Pivi managed to evade capture after the escape despite the recapture of his fellow escapees. Authorities had offered a significant reward for his apprehension.
In July, Camara was found guilty of crimes against humanity and received a 20-year prison sentence.