A former Guinean prime minister and three ex-ministers were detained on embezzlement charges Wednesday, one of their lawyers said, in the latest probe targeting prominent figures since last year’s military coup, IgbereTV reports
Guinea’s military junta, led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, deposed elected president Alpha Conde at age 83 amid fierce protests over his successful bid for a third term.
After seizing power last year, the junta promised to combat endemic corruption in the West African state.
It also stressed that it would not launch a witch hunt.
On Wednesday, a lawyer acting for Ibrahima Kassory Fofana, who served as prime minister under Conde from May 2018 until the coup, said the politician had been detained.
Former defence minister Mohamed Diane, ex-environment minister Oye Guilavogui and former hydrocarbons minister Zakaria Coulibaly were also held, according to attorney Salifou Beavogui.
The four “have been charged with embezzling public funds,” said Beavogui, adding that they are expected to go on trial on Monday.
“We believe that they do not deserve to be in custody as, pending evidence to the contrary, they have the right to the presumption of innocence. We are dealing with a hasty and punitive procedure,” he said.
The four were ordered to be held after being cross-examined for three days. The details of their alleged offences have not been made public.
The detentions come amid a crackdown on alleged graft by coup leader Doumbouya
