Legal Status of 18 Senegalese Supporters Detained in Morocco
The case surrounding the eighteen Senegalese supporters who were recently sentenced in Morocco has taken a significant turn. The Moroccan public prosecutor and the civil party have lodged an appeal against the ruling made on February 19, which handed down prison sentences ranging from three months to one year for the accused. This development has prompted the defense team to prepare for a crucial hearing scheduled for March 16, where they intend to assert legal arguments aimed at mitigating the sentences imposed on their clients.
Defense Strategies and Diplomatic Efforts
In a statement made by attorney Me Patrick Kabou, it was highlighted that Article 308 of Moroccan law mandates the presence of the instigator of the violence during the trial. Notably, the individual alleged to have initiated the altercation has not appeared before the court, which the defense considers a significant procedural flaw. This oversight could be pivotal in their argument to contest the severity of the penalties. Alongside the legal strategies, the defense is also engaging in diplomatic efforts; a formal request for clemency has been submitted directly to the royal cabinet of His Majesty Mohammed VI. This initiative aims to expedite the legal process and secure a sovereign decision regarding the case.
Furthermore, the Senegalese government, through its embassy, is actively pursuing a procedure for the transfer of the supporters. Should the direct diplomatic efforts fail to yield results, this option would facilitate the completion of their sentences in Senegal, allowing them to serve the remainder of their time closer to home.
As reported by sanslimitesn.com.
