Guinea fugitive Claude Pivi extradited from Liberia after prison break

Claude Pivi, a former senior military officer in Guinea, was extradited from Liberia after escaping from prison in November 2022. He was convicted in absentia for his involvement in the 2009 stadium massacre, where over 156 opposition supporters were killed and many women were raped during a rally in Conakry. Pivi's son, Verny Pivi, was also apprehended during the extradition process, accused of orchestrating his father's prison break. The two were arrested at the border during a routine security check. Pivi had been on the run for nearly a year, and the Guinean authorities had placed a reward of $58,000 for information leading to his capture. His return to prison marks a significant moment for the victims and their families, who have long sought justice for the atrocities committed during the massacre. The military prosecutor, Colonel Aly Camara, confirmed that Pivi is now back in the central prison in Conakry to serve his life sentence. The stadium massacre is one of the darkest chapters in Guinea's history, highlighting the brutal repression faced by opposition groups under the military regime. The incident has left a lasting impact on the nation, with many citizens still grappling with the trauma of the violence. Fatoumata Diariou Camara, a victim of the massacre, expressed her relief at Pivi's recapture, hoping he would remain imprisoned for life. This extradition not only brings a sense of closure to the victims but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for accountability in Guinea. The case underscores the importance of addressing past human rights violations to foster healing and reconciliation within the country.