Guinea’s ruling junta has pardoned former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara, who was serving a 20-year sentence for crimes against humanity related to the 2009 stadium massacre.
The pardon, granted for health reasons, comes less than a year into Camara’s sentence.
In 2009, troops under Camara’s command opened fire on a rally calling for a return to civilian rule, killing over 150 people and raping scores of women.
Camara seized power in 2008 after the death of President Lansana Conté and fled the country following an assassination attempt. He returned in 2022 to face justice, maintaining his innocence throughout.
Camara’s pardon follows the government’s announcement to pay compensation to the victims of the massacre. The estimated payouts include $173,000 per rape victim, $115,500 per death or disappearance, $57,000 per case of looting, and $23,000 per case of torture.
The pardon has been met with celebration from Camara’s family, with his younger brother Jean Dadis Camara expressing gratitude to the president. However, the health reasons behind the pardon remain unclear.
