Eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco over alleged hooliganism during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final have begun a hunger strike as they await trial, their lawyer has said.
Speaking to AFP on Friday, lawyer Patrick Kabou said the detainees complained of being held since January 18 without being formally informed of the charges against them. They were arrested in Rabat following a tense AFCON final in which Senegal defeated hosts Morocco.
According to Kabou, the fans also raised concerns about the investigation process, saying police questioned them in French and Arabic, languages they do not understand, as they only speak Wolof.
The arrests followed chaotic scenes late in the match, when some Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch after a controversial late penalty was awarded to Morocco. The incident forced Senegal’s players to briefly halt the game in protest, while objects, including a chair, were reportedly thrown onto the field.
Kabou said his clients had launched the hunger strike in protest, insisting they were being denied their “right to justice” and vowing to continue until they are given the opportunity to be heard in court.
A first court hearing in late January was adjourned, while a second hearing scheduled for Thursday was also postponed due to an ongoing nationwide lawyers’ strike in Morocco. The trial is now expected to resume next week.
