The dissemination of “hateful messages” on social media, according to Senegal’s communications minister, has resulted in restrictions on internet access as of Monday. This comes as opposition leader Ousmane Sonko is formally accused of inciting an uprising.
“Due to the dissemination of hateful and subversive messages on social networks … mobile data internet is being temporarily suspended during certain hours from Monday July 31”, Communications Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam said in a statement.
Three days after being detained at his house, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was charged with insurrection planning, criminal conspiracy, and other offenses.
Sonko, a presidential contender and vociferous opponent of President Macky Sall, “was charged and placed in custody” following his Monday court appearance, according to lawyer Ousseynou Ngom.
On Saturday, the public prosecutor disclosed seven further charges to be brought against Sonko, including undermining state security, criminal association with a ‘terrorist’ body and theft.
One of Sonko’s attorneys informed the local media on Monday that an additional allegation of spreading false information had been added.
The possibility of a conviction, which might prevent him from standing in the 2016 presidential race, has incensed his supporters.
One of Sonko’s attorneys, Cire Cledor Ly, said that the defense team was unable to contact the politician or get him ready for the court.
“It is a scandal,” he told reporters outside the court.
In a separate affair, Sonko was on June 1 sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for morally corrupting a young woman, which could make him ineligible to stand in next year’s election.
