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Guinea Junta Pardons Ex-Leader Camara Convicted of Massacre Crimes
Conakry, Guinea – Guinea’s ruling military junta has issued a pardon to Moussa Dadis Camara, the former military head of state, less than a year after he began serving a 20-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity. These charges are connected to the 2009 stadium massacre, one of the nation’s most horrific episodes of violence.
Pardon Granted Citing Health Concerns
According to a decree broadcast on state television, the pardon was authorized on the grounds of Camara’s deteriorating health.
2009 Stadium Massacre: Crimes Against Humanity
In September 2009, under Camara’s command, soldiers opened fire on demonstrators who were assembled to advocate for a return to civilian governance. The brutal crackdown resulted in the deaths of over 150 individuals. Numerous women also suffered sexual violence.
Camara’s Rise and Fall
Moussa Dadis Camara, then an obscure army captain, ascended to power in a coup d’état following the death of long-serving President Lansana Conté in 2008. After surviving an assassination attempt shortly after the massacre, Camara fled the country. He returned in 2022 to face trial, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.
Conviction and Compensation for Victims
Camara, now 61, and several of his military subordinates were found guilty in July 2024 after a lengthy 22-month trial examining the Conakry stadium massacre.
Government to Compensate Massacre Victims
The pardon follows a recent announcement from the current military government indicating its intention to provide reparations to the victims of the 2009 massacre. The court had previously ordered Camara and his co-convicted to cover these compensation payments.
Breakdown of Compensation Payouts
Justice Info, a website specializing in international justice reporting, provided the estimated breakdown of compensation payouts:
- $173,000 for each rape victim
- $115,500 per death or enforced disappearance
- $57,000 for each instance of looting
- $23,000 for each case of torture
Stadium Massacre Details
The tragic events transpired in September 2009 when tens of thousands of people gathered in a Conakry stadium. They were protesting and urging Camara not to seek candidacy in a forthcoming presidential election.
Security forces deployed tear gas and stormed into the stadium, leading to a chaotic stampede where many were shot, stabbed, beaten, or crushed. Reports confirmed that at least 109 women and girls were victims of rape during the incident.
Unclear Health Status and Family Reaction
The precise nature of Camara’s health issues remains undisclosed. His younger brother, Jean Dadis Camara, expressed gratitude, stating to AFP, “Everyone is happy. We thank the president.”
Camara’s Exile and Civilian Rule
Following a gunshot wound to the head which prompted his departure from Guinea, Camara received medical treatment in Morocco for six weeks. He subsequently resided in Burkina Faso for twelve years.
His deputy later facilitated elections in 2010, which initiated a decade of civilian rule and brought Alpha Condé to the presidency.
Condé’s Overthrow and Current Junta
Alpha Condé was ultimately deposed in a coup in September 2021 amidst widespread protests against his controversial pursuit of a third presidential term. The current military junta now governs Guinea.