Financial Crime World

Guinea’s Anti-Corruption Efforts Under Scrutiny

Conakry, Guinea - A Call to Action on Impunity Trial

While Guinea’s Court of Repression of Economic and Financial Offences (CRIEF) has launched several legal actions in recent weeks, human rights organizations are urging the authorities to take concrete measures to combat impunity for serious crimes.

Human Rights Organizations’ Concerns

  • The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Guinean Organisation for the Defence of Human and Citizen Rights (OGDH), Mêmes droits pour tous (MDT) and the Association of Victims, Relatives and Friends of 28 September 2009 (AVIPA) are calling on the government to accelerate preparations for the rapid organization of the 28 September 2009 trial.
  • The groups are concerned that the authorities’ commitment to combating corruption may be compromised if impunity for serious human rights violations is not addressed.

Recent Developments

  • CRIEF has charged several high-ranking officials, including former Minister of Budget Ismaël Dioubaté and former Minister of Industry Tibou Camara, with embezzlement and complicity in embezzlement of public funds.
  • The court has also accelerated efforts to recover buildings in the public domain, targeting properties owned by opposition leaders Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Touré.

A Call for Fairness and Transparency

  • FIDH and its member organizations are urging the authorities to guarantee a fair and equitable trial for those accused of crimes.
  • The groups are also calling on the government to respect the rights of the defense and provide victims with access to justice.

Quotes from Human Rights Organizations

  • “The fight against corruption is essential, but it must not be at the expense of the fight against impunity,” said Drissa Traoré, lawyer and FIDH secretary general.
  • “A fair trial that respects the rights of the defense is crucial to ensuring transparency in public affairs and restoring trust between the people and the authorities.”

Victims’ Expectations

  • The victims, who have been waiting for over 12 years for justice, are growing increasingly frustrated with the delays.
  • Alpha Amadou DS Bah, OGDH vice president and coordinator of the pool of victims’ lawyers in the case, emphasized the need for the authorities to specify a date for the trial as well as provide details on the various stages.

Conclusion

Guinea’s anti-corruption efforts are under scrutiny as human rights organizations urge the authorities to take concrete measures to combat impunity for serious crimes. The fight against corruption is essential, but it must be balanced with the need for fairness and transparency in trials.