Lawyers for Senegalese and French football supporters convicted over unrest during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco have requested their clients’ temporary release while their appeal is reviewed.
The request was submitted to the appeals chamber of the court in Rabat, which on Monday postponed consideration of the case until March 30.
The defendants were previously convicted by the primary court in Rabat on Feb. 19 over disturbances linked to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations between Morocco national football team and Senegal national football team at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The lower court sentenced four supporters to four months in prison and a fine of 1,200 dirhams ($120). Six others received six-month prison sentences and fines of 2,000 dirhams, while nine additional defendants were sentenced to one year in prison and fines of 5,000 dirhams.
They were prosecuted on charges including causing disturbances during the match, assaulting security personnel and volunteer stewards, invading the playing field and damaging stadium equipment.
During the first appeal hearing, defense lawyers renewed a request for temporary release, citing concerns about the conduct of the initial trial and arguing that the charges and sentences were disproportionate to the available evidence.
According to Jawad Bennisi, who represents a French supporter of Algerian origin, the case concerns fans detained since Jan. 18 following incidents during the tournament final.
Bennisi said his client had been acquitted of several charges at the first trial, including vandalism, violence and filming without authorization, and was ultimately convicted only for throwing a plastic water bottle, an offense that resulted in a three-month prison sentence.
“The offense does not justify continued detention, and a fine could have been sufficient,” Bennisi said. He added that the defense had offered guarantees to the court, including surrendering the client’s passport and placing him under judicial supervision until a final ruling is issued.
The Moroccan Organization for Human Rights previously said the trial adhered to constitutional and international standards of fair trial, noting that the judicial panel acted independently and treated both the defense and prosecution equally.
The appeals court is expected to review the request for temporary release and continue proceedings at its next hearing scheduled for March 30.
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