Two prominent media regulators in Guinea, Djene Diaby and Tawel Camara, have been sentenced to eight months in prison and fined $116 each.
The sentencing follows their allegations that senior media figures received bribes from the ruling military junta to ensure favorable coverage.
The duo’s lawyer, Kemoko Malick Diakite, announced plans to appeal the court’s decision.
The accusations, initially made by Diaby and Camara, resulted in their suspension by the High Authority for Communication on charges of “gross misconduct.” Subsequently, they faced defamation charges from Guinea’s head of state, leading to their detention in Conakry’s central prison.
During the court proceedings, both Diaby and Camara issued apologies, admitting they lacked evidence to support their claims.
Meanwhile, the media heads accused of accepting bribes have indicated their intention to file complaints against the two regulators.
This case underscores the tense relationship between the media and the ruling authorities in Guinea, highlighting the broader issues of press freedom and judicial independence in the country.
