A coalition of former prisoners, activists, and human rights defenders in Senegal has taken steps to seek a presidential pardon for the remaining co-defendants of the late Imam Alioune Badara NDAO. The group, which includes prominent human rights organizations, held a press conference at the Amnesty International headquarters to announce their decision. They plan to submit a formal request for an exceptional pardon to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This move aims to secure the release of the four remaining defendants, who are currently serving lengthy prison sentences.
The four co-defendants, including Matar Diokhané, Ibrahima Diallo, and Abdou Hakim Mbacké Bao, were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 20 years for their involvement in the Imam NDAO case. The case drew significant attention in Senegal's judicial history, with Imam NDAO being acquitted of serious charges but convicted of possessing unlicensed firearms. The defendants' sentences were confirmed by the Dakar Court of Appeal in 2024, leaving presidential pardon as their only hope for early release.
The Imam NDAO case has a complex history, dating back to July 2018 when the verdict was delivered. While Imam NDAO was acquitted of terrorism-related charges, his co-defendants received significant prison sentences. Imam NDAO passed away in 2022, shortly after his release from prison. The majority of his co-defendants have since regained their freedom, either after serving their sentences or receiving sentence reductions.
The coalition seeking the presidential pardon comprises former prisoners, activists, and human rights defenders. They argue that the remaining co-defendants have served a substantial portion of their sentences and deserve consideration for early release. Matar Diokhané, who was convicted of being the mastermind behind the group, received a 20-year sentence. Ibrahima Diallo and Abdou Hakim Mbacké Bao were sentenced to 15 years each.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has the constitutional power to grant pardons, and the coalition is pinning their hopes on him to consider their request. With the exhaustion of all legal avenues, the presidential pardon is seen as the last resort for the co-defendants to secure their freedom before serving their full sentences. The coalition's efforts aim to bring attention to the case and persuade the president to exercise his clemency powers.
The case has sparked debate about the judiciary and human rights in Senegal. While Imam NDAO was acquitted of serious charges, his co-defendants received lengthy prison sentences. The coalition's request for a presidential pardon highlights the complexities of the case and the need for a re-examination of the defendants' sentences. The outcome of the request remains uncertain, with the president's decision being the final determining factor.
The request for a presidential pardon marks a new chapter in the Imam NDAO case. As the coalition awaits the president's decision, the case continues to draw attention to the issues of justice and human rights in Senegal. The four co-defendants remain incarcerated at the high-security sector of the Liberté 6 prison, awaiting a potential reprieve. Key points in the case include:
Key points
- The coalition's request for a presidential pardon is based on the defendants' lengthy prison sentences and their perceived rehabilitation.
- The case has sparked debate about the judiciary and human rights in Senegal.
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has the constitutional power to grant pardons in Senegal.
