A court in Mali has sentenced Etienne Fakaba Sissoko, a well-known academic and economist to two years in prison. According to reports, one of the two years will be suspended.

Sissoko faced trial for criticising the military regime, his lawyer said.

Etienne Sissoko was accused of damaging the credit of the State, insults, spreading false news and making comments likely to disturb public order after publishing a book last December.

His lawyer has said they will appeal the court’s decision.

Etsey Atisu has the rest of the details.