A French lawyer representing Senegalese opposition politician Ousmane Sonko, Juan Branco, has been taken into custody in Dakar, Senegal on charges of terrorism, conspiracy, and public order offenses, according to his lawyer. Branco, who was arrested in Mauritania and extradited to Senegal, is a member of Sonko’s legal team. Sonko himself was arrested in late July and is facing charges of plotting an insurrection, criminal conspiracy, and other crimes following protests and riots sparked by his trial for rape in Senegal. The Senegalese authorities issued an arrest warrant for Branco last month after he unexpectedly appeared at a press conference held by Sonko’s legal team in Dakar and subsequently left for Mauritania.
Senegalese Interior Minister Antoine Felix Abdoulaye Diome confirmed that Branco is currently held by an elite police unit. Branco’s lawyer, Robin Binsard, believes that these legal proceedings are an attempt to silence the lawyer. Bamba Cisse, another member of Sonko’s legal team, stated that they only ask for Branco’s rights to be protected.
The news of Branco’s arrest comes after a series of intense protests and riots that erupted in Senegal earlier this year. The demonstrations were triggered by the trial of Ousmane Sonko, who is a prominent opposition figure and ran for president in 2019. Sonko’s arrest led to a wave of violence as his supporters clashed with the police, resulting in several casualties.
The situation in Senegal remains tense, with ongoing political and social tensions. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns about potential human rights abuses and the need to ensure a fair and transparent legal process for all involved.
Reported by Diadie Ba in Dakar, Juliette Jabkhiro and Kate Entringer in Paris, and edited by Giles Elgood.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
