Senegal: Ousmane Sonko arrested for "disturbing public order"
The opponent Ousmane Sonko in Dakar, February 21, 2019. AFP - CARMEN ABD ALI
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
While the opponent Ousmane Sonko was on his way to the summons of the examining magistrate, the deputy was arrested and taken to the research section for "disturbing public order", his lawyers said.
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With our correspondent in Dakar,
Charlotte Idrac
Ousmane Sonko was expected at the Dakar courthouse since 9am this Wednesday because he was
summoned by the investigating judge in a rape case.
But the opponent and deputy was arrested on the way for "
disturbing public order
", according to his lawyers.
He was then taken to the Dakar research section.
In front of the courthouse, many people have been waiting since Wednesday morning.
The arrest took place after his convoy left his home at around 9 a.m.
But the journey has been stormy.
Gatherings of supporters
all along the road are kept at a safe distance by the police.
Some were notably dispersed by elements of the GIGN.
The security system is very important, both at the courthouse and on the course.
Tear gas fire was reported as the MP's convoy passed.
#Senegal clashes in Dakar after the arrest of Ousmane #Sonko leads to the research section pic.twitter.com/Yhy2soFYz7
- Charlotte Idrac (@CharlotteIdrac) March 3, 2021
Summoned by the investigating judge, Ousmane Sonko had first asserted that he would not respond,
before announcing Tuesday evening that he would be fine at the palace
, on the advice of his lawyers, his religious guide and civil society leaders.
But accepting this summons "
is not an abdication,
" he added on Tuesday, calling on his supporters to remain mobilized.
And this is the case, its activists, white-hot on the outskirts of the palace, claim not to trust justice.
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