In a detailed report released this Thursday, the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights (OMDH) published its findings regarding the trial of Senegalese nationals prosecuted following the incidents that occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The NGO certifies that international and constitutional standards regarding fair trial procedures were upheld.
While this case has garnered significant attention, the OMDH sought to shed light on the conduct of the hearings. According to the organization’s observers, the fundamental guarantees inherent in any fair trial were scrupulously respected by the Moroccan judicial system.
The report highlights the impartiality demonstrated by the judicial body throughout the proceedings. The organization notes a rigorous balance in the treatment of all parties, ensuring equal treatment for both the defense and the public prosecutor’s office.
The presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of law, was preserved: the accused were able to respond freely to questioning and were granted the necessary time to present their version of events from the investigation phase onward. The hearings, which were open to the public, allowed for total transparency, with access to the courtroom facilitated without any specific restrictions.
The OMDH also notes the court’s responsiveness to requests from legal counsel. The hearing adjournments recorded in this case were, for the most part, requested by the defense itself, either to ensure the presence of counsel or to finalize the preparation of closing arguments.
Furthermore, the court showed particular attention to the human conditions of the defendants. The report notably cites: Consideration for fatigue:The court allowed the defendants to sit, a measure taken in particular due to the coincidence of the February 19, 2026 hearing with the first day of Ramadan ; Management of medical emergencies:The organization commends the diligence of the presiding judge during the February 5, 2026 hearing, when a defendant was immediately attended to by the court physician after falling ill ; Humane treatment:It is noted that the handcuffs of the detainees, who arrived under escort, were systematically removed before the judges entered the courtroom.
Regarding the substance of the charges, the statements of the accused—whose defense is notably led by Mr. Patrick Kabou—were varied. While some expressed regret and offered apologies, a majority denied the allegations, citing various motivations: attempting to convince their compatriots to return to the stands, retrieving lost personal effects, or, for some, having been caught up in the crowd movement. Through this report, the OMDH provides institutional validation of the serenity of the proceedings, affirming that the right to fair justice remains an absolute priority for the Moroccan judicial system in this case.
Secondine GOZINGAN
Leave a comment