Steve Amoussou case: the CRIET overturns the first judgment but upholds the sentence

The special tribunal annulled the initial first-instance judgment, while upholding the defendant’s sentence of two years in prison and a fine of two million CFA francs.

As a reminder, Steve Amoussou had been prosecuted before the CRIET for acts described as undermining public order and for disseminating content deemed subversive on social networks. His arrest followed several online posts and statements in which he openly criticized the authorities and, according to the prosecution, called for actions likely to disturb social peace.

At first instance, the CRIET had found him guilty and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of two million CFA francs. This decision had been challenged by the defense, which raised procedural irregularities, notably regarding the characterization of the facts and the respect for the defendant’s rights.

On appeal, the Court found that the first judgment contained procedural defects justifying its annulment. However, after re-examining the case on its merits, the CRIET considered the charges sufficient to establish Steve Amoussou’s criminal liability and reinstated the sentence originally imposed in full.