Overview:
In addition, an interpreter in their mother tongue (Wolof) was made available by the authorities in coordination with the Deputy Consul of Senegal in Morocco.
In the aftermath of the highly heated AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat city, a number of Senegalese fans were arrested for violence inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Since 19th January 2026, these fans have been behind the bars in Morocco with the judicial procedure underway.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Rabat Court of First Instance issued a statement denying rumors circulating about an “unjustified delay” in the proceedings against the Senegalese football fans, the lack of interpreters for them, and claims that they had gone on a hunger strike, asserting that these claims were completely unfounded.
Presence of a foreign lawyer: A lawyer registered with a Bar Association in France attended one of the hearings.
The absence of a consultation office in Morocco, combined with the defendants’ wish to be tried in the presence of their lawyers, led to the postponement of the hearing until February 12, 2026.
Translation ensured: The court provided a sworn French-language interpreter, a language mastered by all defendants.
In addition, an interpreter in their mother tongue (Wolof) was made available by the authorities in coordination with the Deputy Consul of Senegal in Morocco.
The law does not require the presence of an interpreter during the preliminary investigation when the officer understands the language of the person concerned, provided that the official reports are read and explained to them.
No unjustified delay: The Public Prosecutor’s Office categorically denies any allegation of unjustified delay in the handling of the case involving the Senegalese supporters.
Detention conditions respected: The detainees are receiving their meals regularly. Rumors suggesting that they are on a hunger strike are unfounded.
Legitimate hearing postponements: The adjournments were made at the request of the defendants themselves, in order to allow them to properly prepare their defense and to ensure the presence of their lawyers.