Courts in Guinea are paralyzed as lawyers initiate a nationwide strike in protest against the military regime’s “arbitrary arrests” and “secret detentions,” according to the bar association.
This strike signals growing outrage over the arrest of two prominent activists advocating for a return to democratic rule. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, France’s far-left leader, has also called for their release after his coalition won the most seats in recent parliamentary elections.
Guinea’s military overthrew President Alpha Condé in 2021, following widespread protests against his controversial third-term election victory. Initially, many Guineans welcomed the coup, but now they accuse the military of cracking down on dissent and failing to return power to a democratic government as promised.
The bar association announced that lawyers would boycott court sessions until July 31. “The courts are not closed, but their activity is rather paralyzed,” said spokesman Gabriel Kamano. Lawyers plan to return on August 1, a day after the expected verdict in the trial of former military ruler Dadis Camara, who faces charges of crimes against humanity. This case, closely followed in Guinea, involves the 2009 massacre of over 150 people and the rape of scores of women during a protest against military rule. Camara and other officials deny the allegations.
Despite the strike, authorities insist the trial will continue, but it remains unclear if the verdict will be delivered as scheduled. The strike follows the July 9 arrest of Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Bah, leaders of a citizens’ movement critical of the junta-led government. Amnesty International has called for their immediate release, urging the authorities to disclose their whereabouts and allow access to lawyers and family visits.
Mélenchon has also spoken out about the arrests in Guinea, a former French colony. “France is heavily engaged with the current regime. It must intervene to ensure their immediate release and safety,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
For months, Guinean authorities have been suppressing peaceful dissent and efforts to mobilize for a return to democratic rule, facing criticism for suspending media outlets, restricting internet access, and brutally suppressing demonstrations.