Amnesty International evokes a death toll of 23 and calls for an investigation

A heavy toll. Amnesty International announced Thursday, June 8, to have counted 23 dead in the unrest that shook Senegal, more than the official toll of the authorities which stands at 16 dead, and requires an independent investigation. There are “several by bullets”also writes Amnesty in a press release, which specifies that three victims are minors.

Through 18 interviews, authenticated videos and death certificates and autopsy reports attesting to gunshot wounds, the NGO gives an increasing human toll and denounces excessive use of force as well as attacks on freedom. of expression and information.

The NGO denounces attacks on freedom of expression

Senegal was in the throes of its worst unrest in years from June 1-3 after opponent Ousmane Sonko was sentenced to two years in prison in a vice case. The announcement of this sentence triggered rallies and violence. The court decision makes, in the current state, ineligible for the presidential election of February 2024 a personality popular in youth and underprivileged circles.

The organization also denounces attacks on freedom of expression: the authorities suspended access to popular social networks and internet access via mobile phones for several days.