A Malian journalist has been remanded in custody following his summons before a Bamako court, just days after his public criticism of the ruling junta at a regional media forum.
Chahana Takiou, editor-in-chief of the biweekly newspaper *22 Septembre*, was detained on Monday afternoon after appearing before the prosecutor assigned to the cybercrime division. His case is scheduled for trial on July 27, according to a judicial source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Legal grounds for detention
Takiou was placed under provisional detention on charges of damaging state credibility through the judicial system, as outlined by the prosecutor’s office. This decision comes in response to remarks he made during a panel discussion at the Pan-African Media Forum in Bamako, held from June 3 to 6.
During the event, Takiou sharply condemned the junta’s crackdown on dissent, stating: “There is no peace process in Mali. Instead of prosecuting journalists under press laws, authorities are applying cybercrime legislation against them.”
His comments were directed at Idrissa Hamidou Touré, a Bamako-based prosecutor presiding over the panel. Takiou’s remarks underscored growing tensions between independent media and the military-led administration.
Press freedom under scrutiny
Family members confirmed Takiou’s detention to local media. The incident has sparked outrage from press advocacy groups, including the Maison de la Presse, which issued a statement expressing “utter incomprehension and deep concern” over the journalist’s incarceration.
The statement condemned the detention as a “flagrant and severe violation of press freedom and free speech”, warning that it tarnishes Mali’s reputation for justice and media integrity. Professional media organizations have pledged to challenge the charges, calling for the immediate release of Takiou and a reassessment of the legal basis for his arrest.
