A Malian court has sentenced former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to two years in prison over comments he made on social media criticizing the country’s military rulers for restricting democratic freedoms, his lawyer confirmed on Monday.

Mara, who served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015, was found guilty of “undermining state security” after publishing a post that accused Mali’s junta of curbing political rights and silencing dissent. His defense team argued that the post represented legitimate political expression and announced plans to appeal the verdict.

“This decision is politically motivated and represents a dangerous precedent for free speech in Mali,” said Mara’s lawyer, Boubacar Kone, following the sentencing.

The ruling comes amid growing concerns over shrinking civic space and crackdowns on opposition voices under Mali’s military government, which seized power in a 2021 coup.

International human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the transitional authorities to restore democratic governance and guarantee freedom of expression ahead of long-delayed elections.