The Digest:
Moroccan prosecutors have sought jail terms of up to two years for 18 Senegalese football fans imprisoned in Rabat since January's AFCON final, over allegations of hooliganism. The prosecution told the court the defendants "deliberately sought to disrupt the proper conduct of the match" and "committed acts of violence broadcast live on television." The fans have been in pre-trial detention since January 18, the day Morocco lost the heated final 1-0 to Senegal on home turf. Minutes before the end, some Senegalese supporters attempted a pitch invasion and threw objects onto the field, including a chair. The prosecution cited surveillance footage, medical reports documenting injuries to security forces, and estimated stadium damage at over $430,000. The defendants have denied any wrongdoing. Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup.
Key Points:
- The case tests Morocco's handling of football-related offences ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
- It highlights tensions around hosting major tournaments and enforcing security measures.
- Fans face potential imprisonment, while Morocco asserts its legal authority.
- This signals the serious consequences of pitch invasions and stadium violence.
- The timing, post-AFCON, underscores the need for robust security protocols.
Sources: Vanguard, AFP
