Senegal protesters in Dakar demand release of 18 fans detained after Africa Cup final
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Dakar this Saturday to demand the release of 18 supporters detained after the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, a surge of public anger that has pushed diplomatic and legal options into the open across senegal.
Senegal protesters march in Dakar
Hundreds marched through Dakar this Saturday, calling for the release of 18 supporters who were detained after the AFCON final in Morocco and later sentenced. The angry crowd urged the national government to exhaust all diplomatic and legal avenues in seeking their return and support.
Verdict, charges and life in Moroccan detention
The supporters were found guilty of "hooliganism" following the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18 and were sentenced last Thursday. Media reports differ on the length of the prison terms: one account gave sentences ranging from three to 18 months, while another said the terms ran from three months to one year.
The defense denounced the verdict as a "sham trial. " Through their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, the convicted men said they now considered themselves "hostages. " After the verdict they were divided into two groups and placed in El Arjat 1 and El Arjat 2 prisons near Rabat.
Sources on the ground say the men have suffered psychological shock but are "holding up well, " and that no mistreatment has been inflicted upon them, contrary to some earlier reports. They receive ongoing consular assistance, with regular visits from the Senegalese consul in Casablanca, and the Moroccan Human Rights Commission has taken up the case to help ensure their rights are respected.
What the government has said and what protesters want
Addressing the National Assembly a week ago, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko assured lawmakers that the government would do everything in its power, mentioning the possibilities of a royal pardon or transferring the convicted fans. Protesters in Dakar explicitly called on the government to pursue those diplomatic and legal avenues.
Having not lodged appeals, the supporters are now placing their hopes on diplomatic channels. A royal pardon is reportedly being considered and could be granted during celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, and the national government has announced financial assistance to support the families of the detainees.
