Ouagadougou: Journalist Newton Ahmed Barry was sentenced to two months in prison and a fine of 250 thousand FCFA, all suspended, for having defamed the Minister of Defense, General Kassoum Coulibaly, the AIB learned on Monday from sources close to the matter.

In November 2023, the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, General (former Colonel-Major) Kassoum Coulibaly, filed a complaint against journalist Newton Ahmed Barry.

Mr. Barry had accused on his Facebook page the minister of having made a fraudulent deal with a certain Ibrahima Maiga, involving more than a billion CFA francs for the acquisition of 30 pick-ups for the army.

On December 29, 2023, the criminal chamber of the Ouaga I High Court ruled.

Newton Ahmed Barry was released for insulting a member of the government, given the benefit of the doubt.

On the other hand, Mr. Barry was found guilty of defamation and was sentenced to two months in prison and a fine of 250 thousand FCFA, all suspended.

The journalist should also pay General Coulib
aly 500 thousand FCFA in damages. He must also pay the same amount for costs incurred and not included in the costs.

Finally, the court ordered Mr. Barry to delete the incriminating writing from his Facebook page.

Remember that since September 2023, the journalist has been in exile in France, citing fears for his safety and for his life.

Source: Burkina Information Agency