Guinean special prosecutor investigates 466 local officials in Siguiri
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Mosaiqueguinee
Guinea's special prosecutor has opened an investigation into 466 district and neighbourhood council presidents in Siguiri, suspected of water pollution, environmental offences and corruption. The proceedings expand investigations already launched against 22 territorial administrators, according to Mosaiqueguinee.
The special prosecutor's office of the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offences (CRIEF) has opened an investigation into 466 district and neighbourhood council presidents in the Siguiri region of Guinea. These local officials are suspected of involvement in offences linked to mining activities, including water pollution, environmental damage, degradation and the corruption of public officials.
The investigation has been entrusted to the Office for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offences (ORDEF), the Siguiri police and judicial police officers from the national gendarmerie and police. The prosecutor's office intends to establish the possible responsibilities of those targeted and assess the harm caused to local populations and the Guinean state. The investigations are based on the ordinance establishing CRIEF and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The proceedings expand investigations launched after 22 territorial administrators were placed in pre-trial detention in the same case. On 3 November, Guinean President Mamadi Doumbouya had removed 22 administrators in Siguiri as part of measures against officials suspected of links to illegal gold panning. On 7 November, 22 former Siguiri officials had been detained over alleged corruption.
