High Court in Rabat Sentences 18 Senegalese Supporters to Prison Terms for Assault

Ferdinand  | PoliticsGhana | February 20 | High Court in Rabat Sentences 18 Senegalese Supporters to Prison Terms for Assault

The High Court in Rabat, Morocco, has sentenced 18 Senegalese football supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year following assault-related charges.

According to court proceedings, the judge upheld the prosecutor’s recommendations, imposing both custodial sentences and financial penalties on the accused.

Breakdown of Sentences

• Nine supporters received one-year prison terms and were each fined 5,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $500).
• Six supporters were handed six-month prison sentences and fined 2,000 dirhams (about $200) each.
• Three supporters were sentenced to three months in prison and fined 1,200 dirhams (around $120) each.

Under Moroccan law, the sentences are immediately enforceable.

Courtroom Reaction

Relatives of the convicted supporters described the ruling as harsh. Reports indicate that one of the inmates collapsed after hearing the verdict.

Diplomatic Efforts

There have been claims circulating online that the Government of Senegal sent a delegation to engage Moroccan authorities but that their appeal was unsuccessful. However, official statements detailing the outcome of any diplomatic intervention have not yet been publicly confirmed.

The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly among football supporters across West Africa, with some linking tensions to recent continental football rivalries.

Further updates are expected as diplomatic and legal processes continue.