Eighteen Senegalese fans, detained in Morocco on charges of “rioting” during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final last month, began a hunger strike in protest of what they describe as “the delay in justice” and the waiting for formal charges to be brought against them.
According to their lawyer, Patrick Capo, the fans reported that they have been waiting since January 18 – the date of their arrest – to know the exact charges against them.
The detention followed the critical final match held in Rabat, where the Senegalese team defeated their Moroccan hosts in a game marked by significant tension and controversial events.
Lawyer Capo stated in remarks to Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the detainees complain that police interrogated them in both French and Arabic, while they “only speak Wolof,” which is their mother tongue. He added that the group feels their right to justice is being violated, announcing their continuation of the hunger strike “until Moroccan justice gives them a chance to be heard and share their account of the events.”
The events date back to the last minutes of the final match when the Moroccan team was awarded a penalty during stoppage time, which infuriated Senegalese fans. Some attempted to breach the field, while others threw objects – including a chair – onto the pitch. Play was halted for about 20 minutes due to Senegalese players protesting the decision.
Since then, court sessions have been postponed twice; the first in late January, and the second last Thursday, due to the ongoing strike of lawyers in Morocco. The trial is set to resume next week.
Senegalese fans are demanding that their legal rights be ensured, asserting that the hunger strike is part of “prayer and contemplation” until they are heard fairly.
