Legal developments in Guinea and France involving Diallo and Daoud

In Guinea, the Supreme Court has postponed the trial of former magistrate Algassimou Diallo to October 15. The delay follows his sudden transfer from Coyah prison to Macenta, located over 700 kilometers from the capital. Diallo, who faces charges including provocation of hatred and criminal association, reported being transferred at night while blindfolded and without essential medication or eyewear. His legal team has contested the transfer and disputed reports that they had direct contact with him, stating they learned of his location through social media and local intermediaries.

In France, the Paris Criminal Court has acquitted Franco-Algerian author Kamel Daoud of defamation charges. The case was brought by Saâda Arbane, who alleged that Daoud’s interview with Le Figaro defamed her by implying she was acting on behalf of the Algerian government regarding his Goncourt Prize-winning novel, ‘Houris’. The court ruled that the plaintiff was not identifiable in the remarks and described the legal action as ‘manifestly unfounded’, ordering Arbane to pay symbolic damages to Daoud and legal costs to Le Figaro.