Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Former Member of Parliament Moustapha Diakhaté has been remanded in custody pending a trial scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2024. His arrest and subsequent indictment have sparked significant controversy within Senegal’s political landscape.

Diakhaté was taken into custody on the evening of Friday, November 22, following an interrogation by investigators from the cybercrime division. He faces allegations of “insults through a computer system towards a group characterized by its national origin.” The charges stem from remarks he made in an analysis of Senegal’s recent legislative elections.

During his analysis, Diakhaté criticized the Senegalese electorate, stating, “The Senegalese people are cursed. How can a normal country choose Diomaye Faye, who has no experience in state management, as leader? […] This is why I say that Senegal is a cursed people.” The statement quickly went viral on social media, igniting widespread debate and condemnation.

On Monday, Diakhaté was formally indicted on three charges: “insult committed through a computer system,” “maneuvers and acts likely to compromise public security,” and actions “likely to cause serious political unrest.”

Despite the gravity of the accusations, the former MP remained unrepentant during questioning by investigators. He defended his remarks, asserting that the phrase “Askan bou alkou” referred to “duped voters” and was not intended as an attack on the Senegalese people.

Diakhaté also denied responsibility for the viral spread of his comments, emphasizing that he did not personally share them online. Nevertheless, he has refused to retract his statements, a stance reaffirmed by his lawyer, Me Elhadj Diouf.

The prosecution has opted for an accelerated flagrante delicto procedure, signaling the urgency of the case. The trial is expected to draw significant attention as it could set a precedent for the regulation of political speech in Senegal.

Diakhaté’s controversial remarks and the swift legal response have raised questions about accountability in political discourse and the impact of incendiary statements on national unity. The outcome of the trial will likely resonate far beyond the courtroom.