Police Brutality and Social Media Blackout: A Call for Urgent Action in Senegal

Amnesty International Condemns Senegal’s Restrictions on Free Speech and Arrests Following Violent Protests

Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Samira Daoud, has condemned Senegal’s restrictions on social media and the disruption of the signal of the private television channel, Walf TV, following violent demonstrations that broke out in several towns, including Dakar, Kaolack, and Ziguinchor, on 1 June 2023. The protests were sparked by the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on charges of corrupting young people and his subsequent two-year imprisonment.

Senegal’s Restrictions on Free Speech

In response to the violent protests, the Senegalese authorities restricted access to social media and disrupted the signal of a private television channel, which amounted to an arbitrary measure restricting freedom of expression and information, according to Daoud. She further stated that such measures cannot be justified by security imperatives. As such, Amnesty International calls on the Senegalese authorities to lift these restrictions and take steps to protect the right to free speech and information access.

The Need for Independent Investigations and Unnecessary Use of Force

The protests resulted in the deaths of nine people, according to government reports. Amnesty International called on the Senegalese authorities to conduct credible and independent investigations into the deaths that occurred during the demonstrations in Dakar and Ziguinchor. Further, Seydi Gassama, Executive Director of Amnesty Senegal, reminded the Senegalese authorities that force should only be used where necessary and in a proportionate manner. Everyone’s life and physical integrity must be respected and protected by the forces of law and order.

Arbitrary Detentions

Amnesty International also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Aliou Sané, the coordinator of Y’en a Marre, who was arrested on 29 May, and two members of FRAPP, Bentaleb Sow and Tapha Diop. Sané was charged with taking part in an undeclared demonstration, public gathering and disturbance of the peace. Sow and Diop were arrested on 31 May and 1 June, respectively, as they tried to enquire about the whereabouts of those being detained.

Previous Cases of Excessive Use of Force Unpunished

Amnesty International also highlighted three previous cases of excessive use of force resulting in the deaths of 14 people in March 2021, two people in June 2022, and at least two people in May 2023, including a police officer. These cases have gone unpunished, according to the organization. Amnesty International called on the Senegalese authorities to investigate these cases and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Editorial: Upholding the Right to Free Speech and the Rule of Law in Senegal

The violent protests that erupted in Senegal following the imprisonment of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko serve as another reminder of the importance of the rule of law and the right to free speech. These values are fundamental to any democratic society and must be respected and protected at all times, even in times of crisis.

The Senegalese authorities’ restrictions on social media and their crackdown on peaceful protesters and journalists only serve to undermine these fundamental principles and violate the rights of its citizens. The arbitrary detentions of Aliou Sané, Bentaleb Sow, and Tapha Diop is a concerning indication of the authorities’ willingness to suppress dissent and curtail free speech.

We call upon the Senegalese authorities to show restraint and take measures to protect the right to free speech and the safety of peaceful protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders. We also call upon the authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible for acts of violence and police brutality that resulted in deaths and injuries, holding them accountable for their actions.

Advice: Uphold the Rule of Law and Protect Free Speech

In many democratic societies, including Senegal, there are often tensions between the government and opposition forces, which can lead to unrest and protest. However, it is imperative to protect the rule of law and the right to free speech, even in these situations.

Violence, such as that which occurred during the protests, only escalates the situation and puts innocent lives at risk. The Senegalese authorities must ensure that its security forces exercise restraint and avoid excessive use of force.

Journalists and human rights defenders play an important role in providing accurate information and holding the government accountable for its actions. It is essential to protect their safety and ensure that they can carry out their work without fear of intimidation or persecution.

The Senegalese authorities should work towards finding a peaceful and democratic solution to the current crisis and uphold the fundamental values of democracy and respect for human rights.

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