Mali Pardons Frenchman Given 20 Years for Alleged Coup Plot, Orders Immediate Expulsion
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 13
Mali Pardons Frenchman Given 20 Years for Alleged Coup Plot, Orders Immediate Expulsion
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 13
Summary
Yann Vezilier, a French national sentenced to 20 years for allegedly plotting to destabilize Mali's government, received a presidential pardon announced Thursday.
Mali said the clemency does not overturn the court's findings and is paired with Vezilier's immediate removal from national territory; no reason was given for the reversal.
French officials had previously rejected claims that Vezilier was acting for French intelligence, while Malian authorities said last year he worked with generals and dozens of soldiers seeking a coup.
The pardon comes amid deepening strain under President Assimi Goïta, who seized power in 2021, dissolved political parties in May and secured a five-year transition extension that could keep him in office until 2030.
Mali's security crisis has also worsened despite its break with France and turn to Russian allies, with jihadist attacks continuing to hit the country and even threaten Bamako.