Guinea: Former Bar President Mohamed Traoré abducted and beaten
7 July 2025
The Observatory expresses its deepest concern upon learning of the abduction and torture of former Bar President Mohamed Traoré on the night of 20 to 21 June 2025 in Guinea. This violent attack occurred in a context of increasing repression against opponents of the transitional regime led by Mamadi Doumbouya.
Mr Traoré is a renowned figure in civil society, a former Bar President and former member of the National Transition Council (CNT). The lawyer was violently abducted from his home by unidentified, hooded and armed men. He was released a few hours later, unconscious and showing signs of extremely brutal treatment. His attackers reportedly mentioned his resignation from the CNT and his stance against the regime’s authoritarianism.
Several opposition and civil society figures have been abducted in similar circumstances over the last months. In most cases, the judicial authorities have taken no action, further spurring fear and impunity.
In view of this brutal attack, the Guinean Bar Association has decided to suspend all court hearings in the country for two weeks, withdraw its members from transitional institutions, and file a complaint against the perpetrators and instigators of the abduction.
Such events constitute serious violations of Guinea’s international obligations, including the right to physical integrity and liberty (Articles 9 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Guinea in 1978) and the absolute prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, as provided for in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (ratified by Guinea in 1989).
The Observatory strongly condemns the abduction and acts of torture committed against Mohamed Traoré.
The Observatory expresses its full support to the Guinean legal community in the context of the repression of dissenting voices of which Mohamed Traoré has been a victim.
The Observatory calls on the Guinean authorities to guarantee the safety and integrity of Mr Traoré and to protect all lawyers, human rights defenders and members of civil society.
The Observatory urges the Guinean State to file the matter with the competent public prosecutor’s office promptly and to guarantee the opening of an independent and impartial investigation so that effective proceedings can be brought against the perpetrators of this abduction and acts of torture.
The Observatory urges the Guinean authorities to put an end to enforced disappearances, acts of torture and abductions targeting dissenting voices, in order to guarantee respect for the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the effective protection of fundamental freedoms.
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