AFCON FALLOUT: SENEGALESE FANS ARRESTED IN MOROCCO PROTEST DETENTION WITH HUNGER STRIKE

Eighteen Senegalese football supporters arrested in Morocco following last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final have begun a hunger strike while awaiting trial, their lawyer has confirmed.

Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Friday, the supporters’ lawyer, Patrick Kabou, said the group has been in detention since January 18 without being formally informed of the charges against them.

The fans were arrested after chaotic scenes during the AFCON final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated host nation Morocco.

Tensions flared late in the match when some Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch.

The game was briefly halted reportedly for nearly 20 minutes after Senegal’s players protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

Objects, including a chair, were also thrown onto the pitch by supporters.

Khabou alleged that the detained fans were questioned by Moroccan police in French and Arabic languages they do not understand, despite insisting that they speak only Wolof, their native language.

According to the lawyer, the detainees believe their right to a fair hearing is being violated and have vowed to continue the hunger strike “until Moroccan justice gives us the chance to be heard.”

A court hearing initially scheduled for late January was adjourned, while a second hearing slated for Thursday was postponed due to an ongoing nationwide lawyers’ strike in Morocco.

The trial is now expected to resume next week.