Guinean political prisoners freed, regional bloc to discuss coup

Prisoners who were detained after campaiging against ousted President Alpha Conde's third term react after they were released in Conakry, Guinea, September 7, 2021. REUTERS/ Saliou Samb

CONAKRY (Reuters) - Guinea's military leaders have freed scores of political prisoners before a meeting of West African leaders to discuss their response to Sunday's coup that ousted President Alpha Conde.

At least 80 political prisoners detained by Conde were released on Tuesday evening. Some had campaigned against his attempt to stay in power for a third term after altering the constitution to permit it, a move opponents said was illegal.