Criet: Two-Year Suspended Sentence Requested Against Beninese TikToker
The public prosecutor at the Court for the Repression of Economic and Terrorist Offenses (Criet) has requested a two-year suspended prison sentence and a fine of one million CFA francs against Beninese TikToker Florent Mahougnon, also known as “El Professor.” The final verdict is expected on July 3, 2025.
Florent Mahougnon, Beninese Activist
Released on bail nearly a month ago, Florent Mahougnon remains under threat of conviction. Initially arrested in July 2024 by the National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN), he spent several months in pretrial detention before being conditionally released on March 20, 2025.
He stands accused of “harassment through an electronic communication system,” as specified by the deputy special prosecutor at the Criet. According to information reported by Libre Express, during the closing arguments, the public prosecutor also issued strong warnings to the defendant regarding his future conduct.
It is worth recalling that Florent Mahougnon’s legal troubles stem from virulent criticisms he voiced against the Republican Police on TikTok, a social media platform extremely popular among young Beninese users.