Chahana Takiou, editor-in-chief of the biweekly newspaper *22 Septembre*, was sentenced on Monday by the National Cybercrime Unit to a one-year prison term, with six months suspended. However, six months must be served immediately. The journalist was arrested in early June after sharply criticizing the transitional authorities during the Pan-African Media Forum held in Bamako.

During the discussions, he notably condemned the misuse of cybercrime laws to prosecute journalists, arguing that press offenses should fall under press-specific legislation. He also declared that “journalism is the same under all skies,” a statement that drew applause from part of the audience.

Tensions escalate over press freedom concerns

Following the verdict, one of Chahana Takiou’s lawyers expressed disappointment at the severity of the sentence. Since seizing power in the 2020 coup, the transitional authorities led by General Assimi Goïta have faced repeated accusations from human rights and press freedom organizations of restricting public discourse through legal proceedings, arrests, and the dissolution of political parties. In its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks Mali 121st out of 180 countries.

This conviction comes at a time when Mali has been grappling for over a decade with a severe security crisis, marked by jihadist attacks, communal violence, and political instability.