In Senegal, Ousmane Sonko must report to the registry of the Dakar criminal chamber on May 15, 2023, according to the procedure, on the eve of a new risky trial for the opponent, for rape charges this time. According to one of the lawyers for the leader of the Pastef party, Maître Saïd Larifou, Ousmane Sonko did not ” did not receive his invitation “.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
In Senegal, it is a new trial at risk for Ousmane Sonko this May 16, 2023, against Adji Sarr. The opponent, presidential candidate scheduled for February 2024, has been accused of rape and death threats by this former employee of a massage parlor for more than two years. He denounces a conspiracy “.
This case had contributed to deadly riots in the country in March 2021.
According to the procedure, Ousmane Sonko should appear at the registry of the criminal chamber of Dakar this Monday, May 15.
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But according to one of his lawyers, Maître Saïd Larifou, at a press conference this morning in Paris, Ousmane Sonko did not ” did not receive his invitation “. And without a summons, the opponent will not appear at the registry or in court tomorrow, according to him. Anyway, adds the lawyer, Ousmane Sonko will only respond to justice ” if its safety is guaranteed “.
The party chairman The African Patriots of Senegal for work, ethics and fraternity (Pastef) had already declared on May 7 that he no longer counted ” collaborate with justice », « without a minimum guarantee for its safety “.
According to the Code of Criminal Procedure, Ousmane Sonko must actually present himself ” no later than the day before the hearing “. So this Monday, to the registry which ensures its legal representation “. If he does not show up when he has been duly summoned ” And ” without legitimate reason for excuse “says the law, then the president of the criminal chamber can take a” arrest order » [« lorsqu’il estime que la détention de l’accusé est nécessaire », selon l’article 239, Ndlr]. Clearly, Ousmane Sonko could be arrested, which could cause unrest. Another option: he could be tried in absentia.
The mayor of Ziguinchor was in recent days in his stronghold, in Casamance, in the south of Senegal. Supporters gathered around his home to “ to secure their leader. According to images posted on social networks, clashes broke out in the morning with the police.
For his part, one of Adji Sarr’s lawyers, Maître El Hadj Diouf, indicated a few days ago that the complainant was ” serene “, And ” impatient of this lawsuit demanded for two years.
The government defends itself from everything. conspiracy “. According to the Minister of Communication, the state is not involved in anything “to this case” private » he said, « between two Senegalese citizens “.
Ousmane Sonko was also sentenced on May 8, 2023 to a 6-month suspended prison sentence in another case, for defamation and insults against the Minister of Tourism. A sentence that could threaten his eligibility for the presidential election next year.
>> To read also: Senegal: opponent Ousmane Sonko sentenced on appeal to 6 months suspended prison sentence for defamation and insults