Release of Detained Supporters Following the CAN 2025 Incidents
On April 18, 2026, three Senegalese supporters, who had been sentenced to three months in prison for their involvement in the violent incidents at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, were released from El Arjat 2 prison near Rabat. This release came just five days after their sentences were upheld by an appeals court, as confirmed by the Agence France-Presse (AFP). Their attorney, Patrick Kabou, took to social media to announce the effective release of these three individuals among a group of 18 supporters detained in Morocco.
Alongside the Senegalese supporters, a Franco-Algerian national, also sentenced to three months for throwing a water bottle during the match, was granted release after serving his time. Upon exiting the prison, one of the Senegalese supporters exuberantly expressed his appreciation for Morocco, shouting, "dima Maroc, dima Maghrib," which translates to "long live Morocco" in Moroccan Arabic.
Legal Proceedings and Sentences Handed Down
The Rabat appeals court had affirmed the sentences imposed in the initial trial on April 13, 2026, against the 18 Senegalese supporters arrested following the turmoil during the final match held on January 18. The supporters faced serious charges, including hooliganism, violence against law enforcement, damage to sports equipment, pitch invasion, and throwing projectiles. In the initial ruling, nine of the supporters received one year in prison with a fine of 5,000 dirhams, while six others were sentenced to six months and a 2,000 dirham fine. The remaining three supporters, including the Franco-Algerian, received three months in prison and a fine of 1,000 dirhams.
The release of these supporters marks a significant moment in the wake of a tense sporting event, as the tensions unraveled into unfortunate episodes of violence, leaving the involved parties to navigate both legal repercussions and the broader implications for international sportsmanship. Their release is welcomed by many, highlighting hopes for improved relations and understanding between nations in the sporting arena.
As reported by medias24.com.
