UN: Rebels’ release from Mali prison threatens peace deal

The U.N. Human Rights Office warns the release of dozens of rebels charged with serious crimes in Mali threatens the country’s newly-born peace accord. The office says the 44 men released from prison last month include 16 suspected of committing acts of terrorism, five affiliated with terrorist organizations and three rebels who already have been […]

The U.N. Human Rights Office warns the release of dozens of rebels charged with serious crimes in Mali threatens the country’s newly-born peace accord. The office says the 44 men released from prison last month include 16 suspected of committing acts of terrorism, five affiliated with terrorist organizations and three rebels who already have been charged with war crimes.  They were exchanged for 45 civilians and troops. 
U.N. human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told VOA her agency is very concerned that further releases similar to these may be imminent. “What we are really worried about, in fact, why we are speaking out today in particular, is that we are worried that up to 100 more detainees may be released, although the timing for the release is as yet unknown,” Shamdasani said.