On October 6, 2026, four individuals, Moussa Traoré, Thierno Amadou Diallo, Yamoussa Bangoura, and Raoul Yombouno, appeared before the Dixinn Court of First Instance in Guinea. They were prosecuted for commercializing and consuming chicha, a substance banned in the country. Despite their denials, the court found them guilty and sentenced each to a fine of 50,000 Guinean francs. The four men were arrested in different locations by judicial police agents.
During their hearing, the accused men maintained their innocence, claiming they had not committed the alleged offenses. Yamoussa Bangoura stated that he was arrested while drinking and had no knowledge of why he was taken into custody. He also alleged that the police officers demanded money for his release, which he refused to pay. Similarly, Moussa Traoré denied any wrongdoing, stating that he did not smoke or sell chicha and had nothing on him when arrested.
The other two accused individuals, Raoul Yombouno and Thierno Amadou Diallo, presented similar defense arguments. However, the public prosecutor was not convinced by their claims of innocence. The prosecutor argued that the group's denial of guilt did not absolve them of responsibility, given that they were caught in different consumption locations with the banned substance.
The public prosecutor emphasized that the substance in question posed health risks, which was the reason for its prohibition. The prosecutor requested that the court find the accused guilty of violating the prescriptions of a joint decree and fine each 50,000 Guinean francs. The defense, on the other hand, argued that there was no infraction and demanded the accused be released.
The defense counsel argued that the joint decree was unclear and that, under the penal code, precision was essential. They requested that the court dismiss the charges and release the accused. After considering the arguments, the court delivered its verdict, finding the four men guilty of the charges brought against them.
The court sentenced each of the four men to a fine of 50,000 Guinean francs. The accused were prosecuted under a joint decree that prohibits the commercialization and consumption of chicha. The court's decision was delivered on the spot, with the judge taking into account the evidence presented during the hearing.
The case highlights the efforts of Guinean authorities to enforce laws regulating substances deemed harmful to public health. The conviction of the four individuals serves as a warning to others who might engage in similar activities. The case also underscores the importance of awareness about the risks associated with chicha consumption.
Key points
- Four individuals convicted for chicha commercialization and consumption in Guinea.
- Each man was fined 50,000 Guinean francs.
- The case highlights efforts to enforce laws regulating substances deemed harmful to public health.
