Guinea’s courts grind to a halt as lawyers strike against military regime’s ‘arbitrary arrests’

In a show of solidarity with detained activists, lawyers in Guinea have launched a nationwide strike, crippling court proceedings.

The move protests the Mamady Dumbouya-led military regime’s alleged abuses, including secret detentions. The strike comes amid escalating outrage over the arrest of two prominent democracy activists.

France’s leftist leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has joined the chorus, calling for their release. The military seized power in 2021, ousting President Alpha Condé after contested elections sparked widespread protests.

Guineans, initially supportive of the military coup, now accuse the regime of suppressing dissent and reneging on its promise to restore democracy.

In response, the bar association has announced a two-week boycott of court sessions, effective until July 31.

According to spokesman Gabriel Kamano, while courts remain open, their operations are effectively paralyzed.

Lawyers plan to resume their duties on August 1, coinciding with the expected verdict in the high-profile trial of former military ruler Dadis Camara, charged with crimes against humanity for the 2009 massacre of over 150 protesters and the rape of numerous women, a dark stain on Guinea’s history.

All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Despite the strike, authorities claim the trial will continue, but it remains uncertain whether the verdict will be delivered on the scheduled date.

The lawyers’ strike comes in response to the arrest of Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Bah, prominent leaders of a citizens’ movement that has been vocal in its criticism of the junta-led government, on July 9.

Amnesty International has urged the government to immediately release the two detained leaders, amplifying the calls for their freedom.