Violence at the June 2 Opposition March in Bamako, Mali
Department of State Spokesperson
Washington, DC
June 4, 2018
The United States condemns the Government of Mali’s refusal to allow the opposition political march that was requested for June 2, and the subsequent use of violence and tear gas by security forces to break up the peaceful protest by political opposition leaders in Bamako.
Attacking unarmed marchers engaged in peaceful dialogue is an affront to core democratic values. The United States urges the Government of Mali to allow for peaceful assembly by all citizens and groups, and encourages the government to support public dialogue, freedom of association, and freedom of expression at all times and particularly now, in advance of the July elections.
The Malian people, like people everywhere, deserve a government that supports an open marketplace of ideas, transparent and accountable governance, equal treatment under the law, and the ability to exercise their rights without fear of retribution.
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