On 20 May, Etienne Fakaba Sissoko, a Malian economist and university professor, was convicted on charges of defamation, damaging the state’s reputation and distributing fake news. He was sentenced to two years in jail, with one year suspended, and a fine of XOF 3 million (approximately 4,500 Euros). A notable government critic, Etienne Fakaba Sissoko was arrested on 25 March after the publication of a book in which he denounced alleged propaganda in the Malian government’s public information campaign. His arbitrary detention is in violation of his right to freedom of expression. He must be immediately and unconditionally released.
