What You Need to Know
A Moroccan court has sentenced 18 Senegalese fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year for their involvement in violent incidents during the African Cup of Nations final in January. The fans were charged with rioting, which included acts of violence against security forces and damage to sports equipment.
Africa-Press. A Moroccan court has issued prison sentences ranging from three months to one year for 18 Senegalese fans detained in the kingdom following violent incidents during the African Cup of Nations final in January, according to a local source on Thursday.
The accused were charged with “rioting,” which includes acts of violence, particularly against security forces, damaging sports equipment, storming the pitch, and throwing projectiles.
These fans had previously denied committing any offenses during the chaotic match, which ended with their national team winning 1-0 after extra time.
On Thursday, Moroccan prosecutors had sought prison sentences of up to two years for the 18 Senegalese fans accused of inciting riots and held in Morocco since the controversial African Cup of Nations final in mid-January.
The prosecutor stated during a new hearing at the Rabat court that “the defendants deliberately disrupted the match” and “committed acts of violence broadcast live on television channels.”
A two-year prison sentence is the maximum penalty for these crimes.
On January 18, during the African Cup of Nations final in Rabat, Senegal’s team won 1-0 after extra time in a match that was marked by chaos.
Following a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time of the second half, after a Senegal goal was disallowed, fans of the “Lions of Teranga” attempted to storm the pitch for nearly 15 minutes, even as Ibrahim Diaz prepared to take the penalty, which he ultimately missed. In extra time, Bamba Dieng scored the winning goal for Senegal with a powerful shot.
Several Senegalese fans also threw projectiles onto the pitch, including at least one chair.
The prosecutor stated that the prosecution’s case is primarily based on surveillance footage from the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, as well as medical reports documenting injuries among security personnel and stadium staff.
The prosecution estimates the material damages caused to the stadium, which was completely renovated before the African Cup of Nations, at over 370,000 euros.
Morocco hosted the 35th edition of the continental championship from December 21 to January 18 and will co-host the 2030 World Cup finals with Spain and Portugal.
The African Cup of Nations is a prestigious football tournament held every two years, featuring national teams from across Africa. The 2023 edition took place in Morocco, showcasing the continent’s top football talent. However, the final match in January was marred by violence, leading to significant legal repercussions for the involved fans.
Morocco has a history of hosting major sporting events, and the 2023 tournament was no exception. The country has invested heavily in its sports infrastructure, aiming to enhance its reputation as a host for international competitions. The incidents during the final have raised concerns about fan behavior and security measures at such events.
