Eighteen Senegalese football supporters detained in Morocco following unrest at last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final have begun a hunger strike, protesting what they describe as a denial of their right to justice.
The fans were arrested on 18 January after disturbances broke out during the AFCON final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco. Authorities have accused the group of hooliganism, though their lawyer says they are still waiting to be formally informed of the charges.
According to their legal representative, the detainees claim police questioned them in French and Arabic, despite the fact that they only speak Wolof, raising concerns over due process.
Tensions flared late in the final when some Senegalese supporters attempted to enter the pitch. The match was briefly halted after Senegal’s players protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco, and objects were later thrown onto the field.
The detainees say they have resorted to a hunger strike to draw attention to their situation and insist they will continue until they are granted a fair hearing.
Court proceedings have been repeatedly delayed, first following an adjournment in late January and again this week due to a nationwide lawyers’ strike in Morocco. The trial is now expected to resume next week.