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 while awaiting trial, their lawyer told AFP on Friday.
Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, said the detainees claim they have been held without being formally informed of the charges since their arrest on January 18, following a tense final in Rabat in which Senegal defeated Morocco.
According to Kabou, the group also complained that police interrogations were conducted in French and Arabic, languages they do not understand, as the detainees speak only Wolof, their native tongue.
The arrests came after chaotic scenes near the end of the match, when some Senegalese fans attempted to enter the pitch, prompting Senegal’s players to stop play for nearly 20 minutes in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Other supporters were seen throwing objects, including a chair, onto the field.
Kabout said the detainees believe they are being denied their “right to justice” and have vowed to continue the hunger strike until they are given an opportunity to present their case before a court.
A first court hearing scheduled for late January was adjourned, and a second hearing on Thursday was also postponed due to an ongoing lawyers’ strike in Morocco.
