Senegal: the three student leaders maintained in detention by the return of the parquet
Three student leaders in Senegal remain in detention pending judicial proceedings after their arrest related to violent events at the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar.
In Senegal, three student leaders who are part of organizations at the Cheikh Anta Diop University were detained following violent protests at the campus. Their detention, compliant with judicial procedures, was confirmed by the prosecutor's office, which is currently examining the case. This return to the parquet means that the prosecutor has decided to continue the examination of the case before any final judicial decision is made.
As of now, the detained students—Waly Faye, Demba Ka, and Bathie Fall—are awaiting a judge's decision, expected soon, to determine whether they will be held in pretrial detention or released on provisional freedom. The decision will significantly impact the ongoing protests and the broader political landscape in Senegal, particularly in relation to student activism and government response to unrest.
The prosecutor has also announced the initiation of a judicial investigation to explore the circumstances surrounding the violent events that led to the students’ arrest. This investigation is crucial, as it will clarify the charges against them and the extent of the government's accountability in managing university protests, potentially influencing public sentiments and student collective actions across the country.