The specialized judicial unit for terrorism cases in Burkina Faso has concluded its inaugural session, resulting in the conviction of 18 individuals for acts of terrorism while 12 others were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
In a statement on July 10, the prosecutor at the Tribunal de Grande Instance Ouaga 2 announced the verdicts.
Among the 18 convicted, two individuals received life imprisonment, and 16 were sentenced to 21 years in prison. Additionally, the convicts are required to pay fines ranging from one to two million CFA francs.
During this initial session, which took place between mid-June and early July, the court examined 20 cases involving around thirty individuals.
This session marks the first set of verdicts delivered by the unit in 2024.
The court’s establishment is part of the government’s efforts to swiftly address and adjudicate cases involving individuals accused of acts of terrorism or financing terrorism.
However, one case involving four individuals was postponed due to the unavailability of an interpreter, as noted by the prosecutor.
Report by Suleiman Kabore