Guinean prosecutor Alphonse Charles Wright has cleared former Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Zénab Nabaya Dramé of allegations involving the embezzlement of 200 billion francs. Wright, speaking on Télé 24, expressed regret over the harm caused to Dramé's reputation. He stated that an investigation into the matter found no solid evidence to support the claims. The allegations against Dramé originated from a news article published on Guineenews.org by journalist Boundou.
According to Wright, the article was based on unsubstantiated claims and lacked concrete evidence. He criticized the journalist for publishing the story without verifying the facts, stating that it was an abuse of press freedom. Wright emphasized that press freedom has limits and should not be used to harm individuals' dignity. The prosecutor also questioned the motives behind the article, suggesting that it may have been driven by corruption or a desire to obstruct justice.
Wright revealed that the funds in question, intended for youth socio-professional insertion and providing skilled labor, were not embezzled. The funds, mobilized by the French Development Agency (AFD), were part of a debt-cancellation and development agreement. An independent audit report in May 2021 had already concluded that the funds were not misused, contradicting earlier media reports that had implicated Dramé and the administration of former President Alpha Condé.
The prosecutor announced that he would not rule out pursuing legal action against the journalist who made the allegations. Wright stated that the journalist would have to account for the basis of his claims. He also expressed disappointment with the media coverage of the case, citing inconsistencies in the reporting. The initial report claimed that Dramé had embezzled 200 billion francs, but subsequent versions suggested that she had returned the funds at the behest of President Alpha Condé.
Wright emphasized that the law requires solid evidence before a person can be charged. He stressed that in the absence of credible evidence, it is prohibited for a judge to indict an individual. The prosecutor's findings have effectively exonerated Dramé of any wrongdoing. The case had been under investigation by the Court of Repression of Economic and Financial Infractions (CRIEF).
The French Development Agency (AFD) had provided 15 million euros for a project aimed at improving training and insertion in Guinea's agricultural and mining sectors. These funds were part of the budget for the Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training. Wright's conclusion brings an end to a prolonged media campaign against Dramé.
The case highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the need for evidence-based reporting. Wright's statements underscore the potential harm that can be caused by unsubstantiated allegations. The prosecutor's office has confirmed that the case is now closed, and no further action will be taken against Dramé.
Key points
- The Guinean prosecutor's findings have cleared former Minister Zénab Nabaya Dramé of allegations involving the embezzlement of 200 billion francs.
- An independent audit report had previously concluded that the funds in question were not misused.
- The prosecutor has threatened to pursue legal action against the journalist who made the allegations.
