Former Guinean prime minister, 3 ministers arrested for embezzlement: Lawyer

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Former Guinean Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana was arrested Wednesday for alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds, according to his lawyer.

Fofana served until the military, led by army Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, deposed the now-former President Alpha Conde.

In January, Conde was allowed to leave the country for treatment in the United Arab Emirates.

Also arrested were three former ministers -- Mohamed Diane, Zakaria Koulibaly and Oye Guilavogui on a warrant issued by the Court of Repression of Economic and Financial Crimes, according to the lawyer representing the four defendants, Salifou Beavogui.

“They were arrested and all charged with embezzlement of public funds,” said Beavogui.

They are detained at the central prison in Conakry and will appear in court on April 11, he added.

Beavogui denounced the detentions, saying his clients should have been presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.

“Our clients have been detained, but we think they didn't deserve to be in prison because they have the presumption of innocence. We denounce this way of doing things. We are outraged by the injustice and humiliation inflicted on our clients,” he said.​​​​​​​