DAKAR (Reuters) – Senegal’s opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has been charged with multiple offenses including plotting an insurrection and criminal conspiracy, following his trial for a separate rape charge that triggered violent protests in the country two months ago.
The 49-year-old Sonko had been sentenced to two years in prison on June 1 for engaging in immoral behavior with individuals under the age of 21. The ruling sparked demonstrations in which at least 16 people lost their lives.
His supporters are angry about the potential consequences of his conviction, fearing it may prevent him from running in the next presidential election. However, lawyers argue that the matter is open to interpretation.
On Friday, Sonko was arrested after a confrontation with security forces stationed outside his residence, where he claimed they were filming him without permission. He is currently in custody, according to state prosecutors.
During a press conference, the state prosecutor Abdou Karim Diop played video clips from Sonko’s laptop that allegedly showed inciteful speeches. Diop announced that fresh charges had been filed against Sonko, including incitement to insurrection, plotting against the state, and criminal conspiracy, among others.
It is important to note that Sonko’s arrest on Friday and the subsequent charges are unrelated to his conviction in June. He has not yet pleaded in the new case.
Sonko maintains his innocence, and his legal team could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.
(Reporting by Ngouda Dione; Writing by Cooper Inveen; Editing by Bate Felix)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
