Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

58 killed as Guinean soldiers open fire at rally

Tom Peck
Tuesday 29 September 2009 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

At least 58 people were killed when Guinean security forces fired into the crowd at an opposition rally at a football stadium yesterday, according to a human rights organisation in the country.

Witnesses said several prominent opposition leaders were arrested and protesters were injured in violence that began when thousands of people took to the streets and met in the stadium despite a massive security operation by the authorities. Opposition parties had organized the protest in the main football stadium in the capital Conakry, which drew some 50,000 people. Soldiers wearing the red berets of the presidential guard later entered the stadium and fired into the crowd.

"At one hospital alone, we have counted 58 bodies," Thierno Maadjou Sow, president of the Guinean Human Rights Organisation said. "It seems there are many more corpses in (the other hospital)," he said.

The violence is the worst in the country since military ruler Captain Moussa Dadis Camara seized power in 2008, hours after the death of longtime dictator Lansana Conte. He has recently said he has the right to run in forthcoming elections if he chooses, which has angered opposition leaders.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in