Guinea: High-Level Charges in 2009 Massacre - Place the Accused On Leave From Government - Protect Judges, Victims

press release

Nairobi — Guinea's domestic panel of judges investigating the country's 2009 stadium massacre and rapes has taken a significant step in charging a high-level suspect, who is expected to be questioned by the judges on July 4. Given the potential for interference with the investigation, the government should place the suspect on leave and take additional measures to protect judges, witnesses, and victims.

The suspect, Lt. Col. Claude "Coplan" Pivi, is Guinea's minister for presidential security, a position he also held at the time of the 2009 crimes. Media reports said that Pivi was charged with murder, rape, arson, looting, destruction of buildings, and complicity. Consistent with international law, Pivi is presumed innocent unless tried and proven guilty.

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