Eighteen Senegalese fans detained after the AFCON final in Rabat have started a hunger strike while awaiting trial, their lawyer says.
They allege they were questioned in French and Arabic despite speaking only Wolof and say they have not been formally informed of charges since their arrest on January 18.
Initial hearings were adjourned and then postponed amid a lawyers' strike; Moroccan authorities say the trial is due to resume next week.
Eighteen Senegalese football supporters detained in Morocco after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat have begun a hunger strike while awaiting trial, their lawyer says.
The group was arrested on January 18 following a heated match in which Senegal beat Morocco. Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, told AFP the detainees have "been waiting to learn the charges against them since January 18." He also said they complained police questioned them in French and Arabic, despite them "only speaking Wolof," their native language.
Minutes before the end of the match, Senegalese players halted play for nearly 20 minutes to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Video and eyewitnesses reported that some Senegalese supporters attempted to rush the pitch and threw objects onto the field, including a chair.
The detainees say they are being denied their "right to justice" and have pledged to continue the hunger strike "until Moroccan justice gives us the chance to be heard," Kabou added. A first court hearing in late January was adjourned, and a second hearing was postponed amid an ongoing lawyers' strike in Morocco. Moroccan authorities say the trial is scheduled to resume next week.
Sources: AFP, eyewitness and video reports.
The situation raises questions about access to legal counsel, language rights during police questioning, and the pace of judicial proceedings in high-profile sporting incidents. Observers and rights groups may watch the case closely as it moves back to court.
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