Detained 18 Senegalese AFCON Fans Begin Hunger Strike

Detained 18 Senegalese AFCON Fans Begin Hunger Strike

By Our Reporter 

Eighteen Senegalese football supporters detained in Morocco following last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final have begun a hunger strike while awaiting trial on charges related to alleged hooliganism.

The fans were arrested on January 18 after Senegal defeated host nation Morocco in the AFCON final played in Rabat. According to their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, the detainees say they have yet to be formally informed of the charges against them several weeks after their arrest.

Speaking to AFP, Kabou said his clients complained of being questioned by Moroccan police in French and Arabic, languages they do not understand, as they speak only Wolof, their native tongue.

Tensions flared towards the end of the final when some Senegalese supporters attempted to enter the pitch, prompting Senegal’s players to briefly halt the match in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The game was delayed for nearly 20 minutes, and footage from the incident showed objects, including a chair, being thrown onto the field.

The detained supporters have accused Moroccan authorities of denying them their right to a fair hearing. Kabou said the group has vowed to continue the hunger strike “until Moroccan justice gives us the chance to be heard.”

Judicial proceedings have so far been delayed. An initial court hearing scheduled for late January was adjourned, while a second hearing set for Thursday was also postponed due to an ongoing lawyers’ strike in Morocco.

The trial is now expected to resume next week.