Seventeen Senegalese supporters have been detained in Morocco since January 18, following the Africa Cup of Nations. At a press conference in Rufisque, their families condemned the lack of legal assistance and the inaction of Senegalese authorities in this situation.
The families’ spokesperson, Blaise Niang, stated, “Nearly three weeks after their arrest, uncertainty looms over the reality of their defense. Our compatriots have never met a lawyer and refuse to be tried without counsel.” He added that this situation makes them extremely vulnerable, completely contradicting the principle of presumption of innocence, reports Seneweb.
Aïda Diagne, a witness to the trip, clarified that the authorities initially guaranteed the supporters’ return in a later convoy, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled. “We categorically refused to return without them, but the authorities assured us that the young men would join the next convoy. Since then, it’s total uncertainty. Neither President Bassirou Diomaye Faye nor the Prime Minister has spoken to clarify things for the distraught families,” she added.
The next court appearance for the detainees is scheduled for February 5. The families are calling for swift diplomatic intervention and the mobilization of lawyers to ensure their defense. Aïda Diagne insists, “It’s time for Senegalese diplomacy to act so that these heads of families can return to their jobs and homes. It was a match, we won, it’s over. Let them come home.”
