France, May 7 -- A prominent opposition leader in Mali will stand trial next month for criticising the country's military rulers, as tensions escalate over a plan to dissolve political parties and delay a return to civilian rule. The arrest of Mamadou Traore, a vocal critic of the junta, comes amid protests in Bamako and growing calls for democratic elections.

Traore, known as "the King", leads the Alternatives for Mali party and is part of the opposition coalition Jigiya Koura. He was arrested on 24 April and transferred to Dioila prison, 160km from the capital. His trial is set for 12 June.

Traoreis charged with "undermining the credit of the state" and "spreading knowingly false news likely to disturb public order".

The charges stem...