Senegalese Detainees Stage Hunger Strike After AFCON Final in Morocco

Eighteen Senegalese football fans have begun a hunger strike pending their trial over allegations of “hooliganism” related to last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

According to lawyer Patrick Kabou, his clients informed him that they had been waiting since January 18, the day they were arrested, for information on the charges against them. The group claims that police officers questioned them in French and Arabic, despite only speaking Wolof, their native language.

During the match, Senegal beat Morocco in Rabat, leading to a heated atmosphere among fans. Some supporters attempted to storm the pitch, while others threw objects onto the field, including a chair. The game was halted for nearly 20 minutes as players protested against a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

The group of Senegalese fans has expressed frustration with their treatment and has pledged to continue their hunger strike until they receive justice in Morocco. A court hearing scheduled for this week was postponed due to an ongoing lawyers’ strike in the country.

A trial is set to resume next week, but no further details have been released. The 18 Senegalese fans are currently on hunger strike pending their trial.

Source: Al Jazeera