Amnesty International demands an independent probe into the violent protests in Senegal, resulting in 23 deaths, including children. The organization noted human rights abuses and the presence of armed individuals alongside security forces, while calling for restored internet access. The protests were instigated by the imprisonment of Ousmane Sonko.
Amnesty International has urged Senegalese authorities to initiate an independent investigation into the deaths of at least 23 individuals, including three children, following violent protests on June 1 and 2, 2023. The organization gathered testimonies and documented human rights abuses during these demonstrations, which erupted in Dakar and Ziguinchor, leading to 390 reported injuries, according to the Senegalese Red Cross.
The protests were sparked by the sentencing of political opponent Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for corrupting youth, igniting violence and unrest across various towns including Dakar and Ziguinchor. Reports indicate significant human rights violations, including excessive force and unlawful killings, raising concerns over law enforcement practices during public demonstrations. Access to social media and mobile internet was restricted, impeding freedom of expression and information.
The situation in Senegal calls for immediate action from the government to investigate the incidents of violence, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability for unlawful use of force. Amnesty International emphasizes the need for restoring access to information and addressing the conduct of armed individuals present during the protests, advocating for justice for families of the victims.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
