Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has revealed that his personal request to King Mohammed VI of Morocco for a royal pardon for Senegalese supporters was denied
The fans were jailed following violent incidents during the
chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. In a press conference, Faye explained
that he had written to the King both to congratulate him on hosting the
tournament and to request clemency for the detained supporters.
“I asked the King of Morocco for forgiveness for our
supporters,” Faye stated, noting that the government had exhausted multiple
avenues to secure their release.
“We tried every possible way, through courts, diplomacy,
even religious channels like the Tijaniyya order, but nothing worked. If all of
this changes nothing, what else can be done? If there is another way, let us be
told.”
The appeal followed the Rabat Court of Appeal's decision to
uphold the convictions of 18 Senegalese supporters.
The court confirmed prison terms ranging from three months
to one year, along with fines, while rejecting defense requests to review
specific video evidence. Judges ruled that the facts of the case, which
included rioting, pitch invasions, and attacks on security forces, were
"already clear and widely documented."
The sentencing breakdown includes one-year terms and $500
fines for nine fans, six-month terms for six others, and three-month sentences
for three supporters.
A French national of Algerian origin was also sentenced to
three months for throwing a bottle. The arrests occurred during clashes in
Rabat during the final between Morocco and Senegal, a match that ultimately saw
Morocco awarded the title by CAF's Appeals Board after Senegal's walk-off was
ruled a breach of regulations.
Defense lawyer Patrick Kabo maintained that the legal system
failed to identify the correct perpetrators, stating, “Mistakes were made, and
those truly responsible are in Senegal, not here.”
Despite these claims and denials from the accused, the
Moroccan court maintained that the violence and disorder inside the stadium
were supported by sufficient proof.
0 Comments