Mali Court Frees Opposition Leaders Detained for Criticizing Military Junta

The release of 11 political figures is seen as a move to ease tensions under the junta's rule, though key critics remain imprisoned.

A Malian court granted provisional freedom to 11 opposition leaders who had been detained since June for allegedly plotting against the ruling military junta.
The individuals were arrested during a banned political meeting after signing a declaration calling for a return to civilian rule and criticizing the junta's delays in elections.
The release comes shortly after the controversial appointment of Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga as prime minister, replacing a civilian leader critical of the junta.
Restrictions on political gatherings were lifted in July, but other prominent critics of the junta, including former officials and activists, remain in detention.
The junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, has indefinitely postponed elections initially promised for early 2024, raising concerns about Mali's democratic transition.