A former senior officer of the Guinean army has been apprehended in Liberia after being on the run. Claude Verny Pivi, who was sentenced in July to life imprisonment with a 25-year security period, was found guilty in connection with the infamous September 28, 2009, massacre that resulted in numerous deaths and widespread outrage.
Pivi’s arrest occurred in a border village near the Liberia-Guinea frontier, according to reports. He had sought refuge in the area following his conviction, according to reports. Authorities had been actively pursuing him since his escape, and his capture marks a crucial step in holding accountable those involved in the violent events of 2009.
Notably, Pivi is also regarded as the mastermind behind a notorious operation at the central prison in Conakry, which facilitated the escape of his father. His actions have drawn condemnation from human rights advocates, who continued to call for justice for the victims of the massacre.
As investigations proceed, the arrest of Verny Pivi highlights ongoing efforts to address impunity for past crimes in Guinea and reinforces the commitment of regional authorities to cooperate in matters of justice and accountability.
Colonel Claude Pivi, indicted in the case of the September 28, 2009 massacre, is considered a significant step forward for Guinean justice according to human rights activists. Colonel Claude Pivi, head of the Presidential Security, was formally indicted by the investigating judges in charge of the case. General Ibrahima Balde, High Commander of the National Gendarmerie, testified on June 26, 2013. Our organizations welcome this indictment, which has long been awaited by civil parties and marks significant progress in the judicial process of the Guinean justice system. The three judges, in charge of investigating the September 28, 2009 massacre case since February 1, 2010, have charged Colonel Claude Pivi for his role in the events at the Conakry stadium, where at least 157 people were killed and hundreds of women were raped. Mr. Pivi will now have to be heard on the merits, probably as soon as next week.
Liberian police said they were not aware of the arrest of the Guinean man. Police spokesman Cecelia Clark said the LNP was not aware that a top Guinean army officer who has been hiding in Liberia was arrest within the borders of Liberia. She referred this medium to the ministry of Justice. The ministry of Justice could not be reached for comment.
