Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – The trial of former Guinean Navy Chief Bubo Na Tchuto, accused of leading the failed coup attempt of February 1, 2022, has been delayed due to the absence of a judge at the Superior Military Court, his lawyer Marcelino Intupé revealed on Wednesday.

Na Tchuto, along with two other high-ranking officers of the Guinean Armed Forces, did not appear at the Regional Military Court in Bissau, where 14 other defendants in the coup attempt were sentenced to prison terms. The trial took place at the Air Base barracks on the outskirts of the capital.

Among those convicted, three received 29-year sentences, eight were sentenced to 24 years, and three others to 12 years. All were also expelled from the Guinean Armed Forces as part of their punishment.

Despite the military prosecutor’s office identifying Na Tchuto as the mastermind behind the coup attempt, his trial is being handled separately. Intupé explained that as a general officer, Na Tchuto is entitled to be tried by the Superior Military Court rather than the regional court. However, his case has stalled due to the lack of a judge.

“One of the judges on the panel that was supposed to try Bubo Na Tchuto was reassigned to the General Staff of the Armed Forces, which left the Superior Military Court without the necessary quorum,” Intupé stated, adding that this has created “significant legal difficulties” in moving forward with the case.

The lawyer also highlighted the situation of General Júlio Nhaté, the former head of the Commandos corps, whose case was dismissed by the Superior Military Court. Despite this decision, Nhaté still remains in custody.

The coup attempt on February 1, 2022, saw armed men storm the Council of Ministers session at the Government Palace, opening fire on those present, including President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The attack, which the government classified as an attempted coup, resulted in 11 deaths and the arrest of around 50 people.