Lawyers representing Moussa Dadis Camara, the former dictator of Guinea, announced on Thursday that they intend to challenge his conviction for committing crimes against humanity, including mass killings and rapes at a political rally in 2009.
After a groundbreaking trial, a court pronounced Dadis Camara, 59, guilty on Wednesday and imposed a 20-year prison sentence on him.
“The collective rejects this decision as a whole and to mark its disagreement intends to appeal this unjust judgement so that it is censured by the court of appeal,” his group of lawyers said in a statement.
According to the statement, during the nearly two-year trial, Dadis Camara had never “been heard or required to explain the elements constituting the crime against humanity”.
Just before sentencing, the court in Conakry announced that the charges would be classified as crimes against humanity.
On 28 September 2009 and in the days that followed, members of Dadis Camara’s presidential guard, along with soldiers, police, and militia, violently suppressed an opposition rally at a stadium in the suburbs of Conakry.
According to a UN-mandated commission of inquiry, at least 156 people were killed, hundreds were injured, and 109 women were raped.
As stated by the court president, the former junta leader was found guilty due to his position in the upper echelons of power. He was also convicted of orchestrating the suppression of the protest and failing to hold those responsible accountable.
Seven other defendants received sentences of up to life imprisonment for their roles in the massacre.
UN rights chief Volker Turk emphasised the importance of continuing the fight against impunity in Guinea and working to uncover “the full facts and responsibilities” surrounding the tragic event.
“After nearly 15 years, the victims, survivors and their families have the right to full justice and transparency,” the UN high commissioner said in a statement.