Chad: top court upholds Succès Masra’s 20-year sentence
The Supreme Court of Chad has dismissed the appeal filed by former Prime Minister and leader of the Les Transformateurs party, Succès Masra, on May 21, cementing his 20-year prison sentence. The decision sparked immediate backlash from his supporters, who voiced deep disappointment over what they perceive as a miscarriage of justice.
Les Transformateurs released a statement branding the ruling as a missed opportunity for the judiciary to uphold fairness. They argued that the court’s decision further exposed the politically motivated nature of Masra’s detention, which has now stretched beyond 371 days.
The opposition party condemned the verdict, emphasizing that it disregarded global calls for Masra’s release, the denunciation of injustice, and the reaffirmation of fundamental rule-of-law principles. Concern also mounted among his followers regarding the deterioration of his health condition.
Masra’s conviction stems from charges of criminal association and complicity in murder following the Mandakao massacre in western Logone Province in May 2025. With all domestic legal avenues exhausted, his legal team is now exploring recourse to international courts.