The trial of Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko for rape began on Tuesday in Dakar, the capital city. His supporters have been protesting the case violently, claiming it is a political plot.
Sonko is accused of sexually assaulting and threatening to kill a woman who worked in a massage parlor in 2021.
He has claimed that the accusations are part of President Macky Sall’s plan to prevent him from running for president in 2024. Sall says no way.
Sonko was not present when the trial began at 1000 GMT. His alleged victim and her attorneys arrived.
After the two sides argued, the judge opened the case but quickly postponed it until next week. Sonko’s lawyers, according to the alleged victim’s lawyers, needed more time to prepare because the case was so complicated.
“We’ve been planning this for two years. “This case needs to be decided today and over with,” her attorney, El Hadj Diouf, told the court. The case will be reheard on May 23.
The charges against Sonko have sparked sporadic, sometimes violent protests in Senegal over the last two years. The country’s youth, who are dissatisfied with the current government and believe Sall is attempting to maintain power, strongly support the politician.
More fighting erupted Monday in Dakar and the southern city of Ziguinchor, where Sonko is mayor. To prevent security forces from taking Sonko to court, a crowd had blocked the entrance to his house.
According to the Interior Ministry of Senegal, two young people were found dead following the protests. One was discovered with knife wounds in Dakar, and the other in Ziguinchor.
In another case, Sonko was found guilty of libel, which could jeopardize his presidential bid. He was sentenced to six months in prison, which was suspended last week, and he is now fighting the conviction.
Most people believe Sall will seek a third term in 2024, which his opponents argue is illegal because he has already served two terms. He hasn’t said whether he’ll run again.
