Eighteen Senegalese football supporters arrested in Morocco over alleged hooliganism during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final have launched a hunger strike as they await trial.
Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, said the detainees have been held since January 18 without being formally informed of the charges against them. The arrests followed a tense AFCON final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated hosts Morocco.
Speaking to AFP, Kabou revealed that his clients also complained about the conditions of their interrogation, claiming police questioned them in French and Arabic despite the group only speaking Wolof, their native language.
The incident occurred in the closing minutes of the final when several Senegalese fans attempted to invade the pitch. Senegal’s players responded by stopping play for nearly 20 minutes in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Objects, including a chair, were reportedly thrown onto the field during the disturbance.
According to Kabou, the detainees believe they are being denied their right to a fair hearing and have vowed to continue the hunger strike until Moroccan courts allow them to present their case.
Judicial proceedings have been repeatedly delayed. An initial court session in late January was adjourned, while a second hearing scheduled for Thursday was postponed due to an ongoing lawyers’ strike in Morocco. The trial is now expected to resume this week.
