Ruling by the Rabat Appeal Court on Senegalese Supporters
The Rabat Appeal Court has rendered its decision regarding the case of 18 Senegalese supporters who were detained following the incidents that occurred during the final of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN). After a hearing that began this Monday, the court confirmed the sentences originally handed down on February 19, which imposed prison terms ranging from three months to one year for "hooliganism". This ruling comes despite the prosecution's request for harsher penalties, which could have extended to two years of imprisonment.
Among those sentenced, three supporters—Abdoulaye Dieng, Ibrahima Diop, and Aziz Wade—will complete their three-month sentences this Saturday and are expected to regain their freedom shortly thereafter. Throughout the legal proceedings, all 18 accused maintained their defense, firmly denying any involvement in the violence. They testified in court that they had entered the pitch out of panic, citing a crowd surge and attempts to avoid projectiles and spitting, rather than any intention to contest referee decisions.
Notably, during the hearing, the prosecution, which had initially claimed to possess evidence including video footage, ultimately presented no substantial material evidence. This lack of evidence did not, however, sway the court's decision, which upheld the initial ruling.
As reported by rts.sn.
