Former Guinea Military Officer Extradited from Liberia to Serve Life Sentence for Massacre

Former Guinea military officer, Claude Pivi, who had been on the run since escaping from prison last November, has been extradited from Liberia along with his son, Verny Pivi. The extradition comes after Pivi was convicted in absentia for his involvement in a 2009 massacre of opposition supporters at a stadium in the capital city of Conakry. Guinea’s military prosecutor confirmed that Pivi will now serve his life sentence.

Pivi and his son were apprehended during a routine security check on the border between Guinea and Liberia. Images circulating online depict a frail and handcuffed Pivi standing alongside his son, who is accused of orchestrating the prison break that facilitated his father’s escape. Notably, former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara, who was also freed during the prison break, was swiftly recaptured. Camara is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity.

The charges against Pivi and Camara stem from one of the most horrific massacres in Guinea’s history. In September 2009, security forces opened fire on an opposition rally in Conakry, resulting in the deaths of over 156 people. Additionally, numerous women were subjected to sexual violence during the incident. Pivi, known as “Coplan,” held the position of minister of presidential security in Camara’s regime.

Authorities had offered a reward of $58,000 (£43,700) for Pivi’s capture. Following his extradition, Pivi has been returned to the main prison in Conakry to serve his life sentence, according to military prosecutor Colonel Aly Camara.

Fatoumata Diariou Camara, a survivor of the violence at the 2009 rally, expressed her joy at Pivi’s recapture, stating her hope that he remains imprisoned forever.