Senegalese Fans Detained in Morocco Begin Hunger Strike After AFCON Final

Eighteen Senegalese football fans who were detained in Morocco following the Africa Cup of Nations final have initiated a hunger strike as they await trial. The fans were arrested on January 18 after the final match where Senegal beat Morocco in Rabat.

Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, revealed that the group was mistreated by the police during questioning, with complaints of being addressed in French and Arabic instead of their native Wolof language. The fans attempted to storm the pitch to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco, causing a delay in the game.

They are now demanding a fair trial and have pledged to continue their hunger strike until they are given a chance to be heard by Moroccan justice. The first court hearing was scheduled for late January but was adjourned, with the second hearing postponed due to an ongoing lawyer strike in Morocco.

The trial is set to resume next week.