00:00In Mali, six men linked to former transitional president Ban Dao are on trial over an alleged coup plot.
00:07The case began in the Bamako Court of Appeal on Tuesday, 14.
00:12The six defendants include former security chief Colonel Kasum Goita and ex-presidency secretary general Khalil Udumbia.
00:19They say they were abducted, tortured and held for nearly five years.
00:23Their lawyers say the hearing is their first real chance to challenge the charges.
00:28The six are accused of conspiring against the government, but authorities have not said exactly what they allegedly did.
00:35Defense lawyers say the case is politically motivated and targets Ban Dao's allies.
00:41During Mali's first transitional period between August 2020 coup and the second in May 2021, Khalil Udumbia served as secretary
00:49general of the presidency.
00:50Colonel Kasum Goita, who is not related to transitional president Asimu Goita, headed Mali's intelligence services.
00:58The other defenders include a senior state security officer, a police commissioner, a businessman, and a marabou.
01:06Mali's third of the week is a family member of the presidency with a chief medical officer.
01:07Mali's first
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