The fate of Bah Diakhate and Imam Ndao is sealed this Monday. Thus, after their appearance before the judge for the final verdict in the case which opposes them to the Senegalese state, mainly to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The two men were sentenced to three months in prison for criticizing the head of government for talking about tolerance towards homosexual people.
Remember that the two men are accused of disseminating false information and attacking the honor of a person exercising state responsibilities at the highest level. Following Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s visit to Senegal, they attacked the government for having shown tolerance with defenders of homosexual rights. Comments deemed offensive and which led to their arrest on May 23. The two men were subsequently questioned on May 27.
During their previous appearance before the judge, the two accused had denied all the accusations against them. This Monday’s hearing was particularly anticipated. The charges against Bah Diakhaté and Imam Ndao were upheld by the judge since they will continue their stay in prison. This affair has sparked a lot of controversy in Senegal. Many citizens mobilized to support the two defendants, including members of civil society and the political opposition.
State of Free Speech
Some denounced “justice under orders” and a desire to muzzle freedom of expression. Others had called for a fair trial. This Monday’s verdict was therefore closely scrutinized by all Senegalese, both in the country and in the Diaspora. It gives an indication of the state of freedom of expression in Senegal and the functioning of justice in the country. Especially with the advent of new leaders expected to embody the rupture.
Let us point out that doubt is already being established in people’s minds regarding the propensity of the Diomaye-Sonko duo, respectively President of the Republic and Prime Minister, to preside over the destiny of the Senegalese. Arriving in power on April 2, the new head of state of Senegal brings great hope for change, after the passage of Macky Sall whose management of public affairs was strongly criticized.
“Focus on the priorities of the Senegalese”
Less than two months after taking office, Ousmane Sonko and his former heir apparent who became his superior began legal battles that led citizens to prison. A conflicting situation far from the expectations of the Senegalese, as Ablaye Diop, mason, recalls. “We expect the new regime to resolve the difficulties encountered by families in disarray, instead of launching the hunt against ordinary citizens,” confides the forty-year-old.
“If it is necessary to launch proceedings, it is more towards the pundits of the old regime accused of corruption and other embezzlement that Diomaye and his government should direct them. But standing up to the first citizens who launched attacks, I think is more of a diversion. Let Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko focus on the priorities of the Senegalese,” concludes the mason.
