Gambiaj.com – (RABAT, Morocco) – Three Senegalese supporters detained in Morocco in connection with incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat have been released after completing three-month prison sentences, their lawyer confirmed on Saturday.
The lawyer, Maître Patrick Kabou, announced the development in a social media post, thanking Senegal’s diplomatic and consular representation for their efforts. “I inform you of the effective release of three of the 18 compatriots detained in Morocco,” he wrote.
The three are part of a group of 18 Senegalese fans prosecuted following disturbances linked to the AFCON final in the Moroccan capital. While they have now served their terms, 15 others remain in detention and are serving longer sentences ranging from six months to one year.
According to details of the case, nine of the supporters were handed one-year prison terms, while six received six-month sentences. The remaining three, now released, had been given three-month terms.
Controversial Appeal Court Ruling
The sentencing was confirmed by a Rabat Court of Appeal earlier this week, in a process that has drawn scrutiny. Critics have questioned the speed with which the ruling was issued, particularly following what were described as heated exchanges during proceedings.
The rapid conclusion of the appeal has raised concerns about whether due process was fully respected, adding to growing unease over the handling of the case.
Federation Denounces ‘Parody Of Justice’
The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly criticized both the verdict and the conduct of the trial. Its Secretary General, Abdoulaye Saydou Sow, described the proceedings as a “parody of justice,” arguing that the punishment imposed on the fans was excessive.
“The 18 supporters have committed only one crime – participating in a final where their team won,” Sow said, insisting that any sanctions should be proportionate to clearly established wrongdoing.
He further questioned what he termed a “double standard” in the judicial process, pointing out that only Senegalese nationals were prosecuted despite reports that the clashes involved both Moroccan and Senegalese supporters.
The case continues to attract attention in Senegal, where calls are mounting for the release of the remaining detainees and a review of the judicial process that led to their convictions.
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