Senegalese Fans on Hunger Strike in Morocco Over AFCON Detention, Lawyer Says
RABAT, Morocco — Eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco since last month have begun a hunger strike, protesting that they have not been informed of the charges against them following their arrest after the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The supporters were taken into custody on January 18 following disturbances near the end of the championship match in Rabat, when some Senegalese fans attempted to storm the pitch and others were seen throwing objects onto the field.
According to their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, the detained group speaks only Wolof but was questioned in French and Arabic without adequate translation. Kabou stated that hearings have been repeatedly postponed, leaving the men in legal limbo.
“They are protesting what they call a denial of justice,” Kabou said. “Since their arrest, they have not been formally informed of the specific charges against them.”
The lawyer confirmed that the trial, originally scheduled for earlier dates, is now expected to resume next week.
The arrests occurred in the aftermath of heightened tensions during the Africa Cup of Nations final, though details of individual involvement in the disturbances remain unclear. The hunger strike represents an escalation of the detainees’ efforts to draw attention to their situation and secure their day in court.
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