Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, Senegal) – The Tribunal of flagrante delicto in Dakar has handed down its verdict in the case against former lawmaker Moustapha Diakhaté and activist Bachir Fofana, both accused of making offensive remarks and spreading false information targeting the Senegalese presidency.
Moustapha Diakhaté, a former deputy and vocal critic of the current administration, was found guilty of “offending the Head of State.” He was sentenced to two months in prison, of which 15 days are to be served, with the remaining time suspended.
However, he was acquitted of a related charge—offending an individual exercising presidential prerogatives.
Co-accused Bachir Fofana was convicted for “spreading false news” and handed a two-month suspended sentence, thereby avoiding incarceration.
The defense team, composed of prominent lawyers including El Hadj Amadou Sall, El Hadj Diouf, Antoine Mbengue, and Oumar Youm, indicated they may appeal the judgment. Under Senegalese law, they have 30 days to file an appeal and have stated they will consult their clients before making a final decision.
Despite the court’s decision and the recent stint in Rebeuss prison, Diakhaté emerged defiant. In a statement released shortly after his release, he denounced what he described as the “fascist power of PASTEF,” in reference to the ruling party led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
Calling his ordeal a “shameful and dishonorable politico-judicial kidnapping,” Diakhaté accused the public prosecutor’s office of acting as a militia in service of the government and vowed to continue what he described as a battle to defend the Republic from degradation.
“If this conviction is meant to strip me of my constitutional right to criticize the mediocre people governing Senegal, then it is a wasted effort,” Diakhaté declared. He announced a press conference scheduled for August 6 to further elaborate on his stance and continue his criticism of the government.
The ruling marks Diakhaté’s second conviction in less than a year for similar charges. Nonetheless, he appears resolute in maintaining his confrontational political posture.
