Former Guinean junta leader testifies about stadium massacre WGN Radio 720
CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Former Guinean junta leader Moussa “Dadis” Kamara took the stand for the first time on Monday to testify that at least 157 people were killed in the army 13 years ago, dozens more dead. testified about his role in the stadium massacre. number of women raped.
Kamala was one of 11 men charged with murder and rape in the September 28, 2009 stadium attack, and security forces unarmed to protest the junta’s plans to run for president. opened fire on the demonstrators. Kamala had seized power in a coup a year ago.
Human rights investigators interviewed witnesses and reported that Kamala’s aide was at the stadium and did nothing to stop the violence. said he did.
A few months later, Kamala survived an assassination attempt and fled to Burkina Faso, where he lived in exile for over a decade before being put on trial in Guinea.
Dressed in fabric from Burkina Faso, Kamala let out a nervous, bitter voice as she pleaded not guilty in front of a courtroom packed with hundreds of people.
“If I’m in your presence, it’s because of my patriotism. Otherwise I wouldn’t have agreed to come.” When I woke up at 11:00 am, I was informed that a demonstrator had been killed.
As commander-in-chief at the time, rights groups say Kamala must take responsibility for what happened.
“They did indeed[act]on this order. Arseniy Sal, Communications Officer for Civil Rights Advocacy, said. “It is not enough to say that he is innocent, he must be motivated by a clear and precise explanation.
Kamala says he was the target of an assassination plot by former president Alpha Conde, who was ousted in last year’s coup.
For years, the Guinean government has tried to prevent Kamala from returning home. But another coup last year put a military government in place, making Kamala’s repatriation more acceptable.
Kamala is the ninth defendant to testify among the remaining two. The trial is expected to last at least until the end of this month.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family says they believe justice will prevail.
“Someday the truth will come out,” said Aisato Sou. A 34-year-old fiancé died during the attack. “I didn’t want him to come to the stadium that day. I said it was dangerous, but he told me not to be afraid,” she said.
https://wgnradio.com/news/international/ap-guineas-ex-junta-leader-testifies-about-stadium-massacre/ Former Guinean junta leader testifies about stadium massacre WGN Radio 720