On October 6, 2026, four young individuals appeared before the Dixinn correctional court in Guinea, charged with consuming and commercializing chicha. The defendants, Rambou Yombouno, Moussa Traoré, Condé, and Yamoussa Bangoura, all denied the allegations. Yamoussa Bangoura claimed he was arrested at 3 am while drinking beer with friends and was taken away by military personnel. He stated that he was only informed the next day that the arrest was related to chicha consumption.
The defendants provided varying accounts of their experiences. Moussa Traoré, a beverage vendor, denied selling chicha, stating he had previously consumed it but no longer engaged in the activity. He claimed he was found at his counter with no chicha or smoke present. The prosecution, however, argued that the defendants could not be considered innocent given the evidence in the case. They highlighted the profitability of chicha and strategies to continue its commercialization despite being banned.
The prosecution requested the court to apply the penalty stipulated in the joint decree banning chicha consumption and commercialization, which is a fine of 50,000 Guinean francs. The defense, represented by lawyer Soufiane Kouyaté, disputed the existence of the offense and requested the court to dismiss the charges, arguing that the elements constituting the offense were not present.
After examining the case and hearing arguments, the Dixinn correctional court found the four defendants guilty of consuming chicha. Each was sentenced to pay a fine of 50,000 Guinean francs. The court's decision was made despite the defendants' consistent denial of the allegations throughout the trial.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to enforce the ban on chicha in Guinea. The joint decree prohibiting its consumption and commercialization has been in place, with authorities periodically arresting and prosecuting individuals found to be engaging in these activities. The defendants' lawyer, Soufiane Kouyaté, had argued for their acquittal.
The verdict was delivered by the Dixinn correctional court, which found the defendants guilty based on the evidence presented. The case demonstrates the challenges in enforcing laws related to banned substances in Guinea. The defendants' claims of being unaware of the reasons for their arrest and their subsequent prosecution add complexity to the case.
The incident and subsequent trial reflect broader issues related to substance use and law enforcement in Guinea. The case serves as an example of the ongoing efforts to regulate and control substance use in the country. The defendants' fines are a result of the court's interpretation of the existing laws and decrees related to chicha.
Key points
- Four young Guineans were fined 50,000 GNF each for consuming chicha.
- The defendants denied the allegations, with one claiming he was unaware of the reasons for his arrest.
- The case highlights Guinea's ongoing efforts to enforce its ban on chicha consumption and commercialization.
