Former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara has been jailed after publishing a message on social media in which he spoke about visiting political prisoners and committing to help them get justice.

The July 4 post on X triggered legal action from authorities, who summoned Mara for questioning before charging him on Friday with “undermining the credibility of the state and opposing legitimate authority,” according to the prosecutor’s office in Bamako.

Mara, who served briefly as prime minister between 2014 and 2015, is now in detention under orders from a cybercrime judge. His trial is set for September 29.

His lawyers have criticised the move, describing the charges as unfounded and promising to respond further in due course. “They would have more to say soon,” they said in a brief statement.

The case has drawn attention to the shrinking space for political expression in Mali, where opposition figures and former officials are increasingly facing legal pressure over public comments.