Senegalese Prisoners Leave Jail: A Spiritual Journey to Fes
On Saturday, three Senegalese individuals were released from the Al-Arjat prison near the Moroccan capital, Rabat, following their sentences related to the unrest that occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations final match between Morocco and Senegal. Their departure marks the end of their confinement, while 15 others remain on trial, currently detained as legal proceedings continue.
Senegalese lawyer Patrick Kabo shared on social media that the released prisoners expressed a desire to visit the city of Fes before returning to Senegal. Their aim is to pray at the shrine of Sidi Ahmed Tijani, a significant figure in the Tijaniyah Sufi order, underscoring the spiritual aspect of their journey after a tumultuous period.
Furthermore, Kabo indicated he has been directed to initiate an application for clemency on behalf of the remaining Senegalese detainees who are still undergoing trial. This move highlights a continued effort to address the legal challenges faced by these individuals amidst ongoing discussions about justice and fairness in the legal system.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategies
The Rabat Appeals Court is currently processing the cases of 15 Senegalese supporters who are facing charges stemming from the violent incidents that marred the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2025. The defendants are contesting the initial verdicts, which range from three months to one year of imprisonment. These sentences were handed down on February 19, 2026, for actions deemed disruptive to public order at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where the final took place.
The incidents in question date back to January 18, when the individuals were apprehended following the conclusion of the match. They face multiple charges, including violence, throwing projectiles, and storming the pitch. During the first session of the appeals phase, the defense maintained its request for provisional release for their clients, emphasizing significant procedural concerns regarding the initial trial.
The defense has also highlighted the necessity of revisiting the proportionality of the sentences issued, suggesting that the punishments must align more closely with the circumstances surrounding the case. This call for reevaluation reflects a broader dialogue about the nature of justice and the treatment of supporters within the legal framework.
In a notable turn of events, the Appeals Court witnessed a new chapter in the ongoing trial on April 13, when the defense team submitted an intriguing request to summon the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This request stems from a desire to clarify organizational responsibilities and identify potential oversights that may have contributed to the disturbances within the stadium.
The defense's concerns extend beyond organizational aspects; they also seek to address technical and financial elements related to the incident. Attorney Naima Klaf has called for the testimony of a representative from the National Agency for Public Equipment, arguing that the assessment of damages incurred at the stadium lacks an independent judicial evaluation. Klaf insists on understanding the methodology used to appraise these damages before attributing them to the accused supporters.
The presentation of a documentary footage concerning the events has emerged as a pivotal point in the defense's arguments. Klaf emphasized the importance of displaying this video evidence in court to accurately evaluate each supporter’s individual involvement in the alleged incidents. She contended that presenting this footage would not only clarify the situation but also assist the court in forming a well-informed judgment based on visual evidence and testimonies presented.
In contrast, the public prosecutor firmly rejected all requests made by the defense, deeming them "ineffective" and asserting that they would not contribute any new insights to the ongoing case. This response highlights the contentious nature of the proceedings and the challenges faced by the defense in advocating for their clients amidst a complex legal landscape.
As reported by le12.ma.
