Senegal: Adji Sarr appeals the judgment in his trial against Ousmane Sonko

Adji Sarr appealed after Ousmane Sonko was sentenced to two years in prison for "corruption of youth", according to one of his lawyers. The ruling provoked deadly violence last week. The former masseuse had filed a complaint more than two years ago against the opponent for "repeated rape" and "death threats". What does this call mean?

Adji Sarr after his confrontation with Ousmane Sonko, December 6, 2022. AFP - SEYLLOU

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With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

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We're starting from scratch " said El Hadj Diouf, one of Adji Sarr's lawyers reached by phone, who confirmed that he had appealed. "There will be a new trial," he said.

But for now, "it does not change the situation of Ousmane Sonko, it does not change his sentence," says Joseph-Etienne Ndione, one of the opponent's lawyers. He recalls that Ndèye Khady Ndiaye, the owner of the massage parlor, has also appealed. Co-accused in this case, she was sentenced to two years in prison for incitement to debauchery. But for all parties to be involved in a new trial, "the prosecution would also have to appeal," explains the lawyer.

"That's what we want, and it would make sense. " adds Mr. Sakho, another lawyer of Ousmane Sonko. Even if at this stage, he says, the appeal of the civil party "can only relate to the civil interests", in other words to the amount of damages. Adji Sarr had obtained 20 million CFA francs in this respect. During the May 23 trial, his lawyers had claimed one billion 500 million CFA francs.

Ousmane Sonko was tried in absentia. He therefore does not have the possibility to appeal.

>> READ ALSO: Senegal: the opponent Ousmane Sonko sentenced to 2 years in prison for "corruption of youth"

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• Senegal
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