Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, a prominent Malian economist, has been jailed for two years for criticising Mali Junta.

Mr Sissoko, 41, a professor at the University of Bamako, was also ordered to pay a fine of 3 million CFA francs ($4,900; £3,900).

The economist, who had been in custody since March, was charged with defamation and damaging the state’s reputation by distributing fake news.

The charges relate to a book he published last year, which he defended in court, saying the work was based on fact.

The work that prompted his latest arrest is Propaganda, Agitation, and Harassment—Government Communication during the Transition in Mali.

It also accused the junta of using manipulation and “even lies” to sway public opinion in its favour.

Mr Sissoko’s lawyer, Ibrahim Marhouf Sacko, said he was “not surprised” by the verdict and would be filing an appeal.

Human rights groups said Mr Sissoko’s case latest in a widespread crackdown on critics and political opponents of the military rulers.

The military junta took over power in August 2020 when then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was overthrown in a coup after anti-government protests over his handling of jihadist unrest.

According to AFP, Mr Sissoko once served as an adviser to the late Mr Keïta and spent several months in jail in 2022.

The junta has faced criticism for reneging on agreed timelines for transitioning to democratic civilian rule. Elections due to be held in February were again postponed.