A Malian judge has ordered the continued pre-trial detention of activist and radio host Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, popularly known as Ras Bath.

Bathily was arrested on March 13, 2023, after alleging that former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga, who died in custody in March 2022, was assassinated.

He was charged with simulating an offense and has remained imprisoned since March 28, 2023.

The ruling, issued by Judge Moussa Diarra of the National Cybercrime Unit, further prolongs his detention as legal proceedings continue.