Senegalese fans on hunger strike in Moroccan detention after AFCON final
Eighteen Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco for alleged hooliganism during last month’s AFCON final have begun a hunger strike, protesting their prolonged detention without formal charges.
Arrested on January 18 after the victory of Senegal over Morocco, the supporters accuse authorities of denying their right to a fair trial.
Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, states they have been questioned in French and Arabic without translation, despite only speaking Wolof. They pledge to fast “until Moroccan justice gives us the chance to be heard.”
The group faces accusations of violence against police, throwing projectiles, and damaging sports equipment during the final, which saw pitch invasion attempts and objects hurled onto the field.
Their trial has faced repeated delays, first in late January and again last Thursday due to a concurrent lawyers’ strike in Morocco. The proceedings are now scheduled to resume on February 12.
