Blaise Lasm: Thirteen Months in Prison, Crutches at Court and a Request for Release

Blaise Lasm, a PPA-CI official held since September 30, 2025, appeared on November 2, 2026, before the anti-terrorism chamber of the Abidjan-Plateau criminal court using crutches and wearing leg braces. His lawyer, Me Roselyne Aka-Serikpa, said he has a knee condition requiring treatment, but could not say that the illness was caused by his detention. The defense is seeking his automatic release, arguing that the legal detention limits have been exceeded. The court is expected to rule on November 9.