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Morocco has released three Senegalese football fans from prison on Saturday after they completed three-month sentences for participating in violence during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, an AFP journalist witnessed.
The three left Al Arjat 2 prison, northeast of Rabat, in a police vehicle and were taken to a police station before being released.
Upon leaving the station, the smiling fans were greeted by members of the Senegalese embassy.
One of the released fans told AFP: “dima Maroc, dima Maghrib” (“long live Morocco”).
Senegalese defence lawyer Patrick Kabou thanked “diplomatic and consular representation for their efforts” in a post on X.
On the eve of their release, Kabou had asked the public to “support them and, above all, help them come to terms with the initial shock of leaving prison.”
Fifteen other Senegalese fans remain in custody in connection with the same case.
They received sentences ranging from six months to one year, which were upheld on appeal on Monday.
The fans have been detained since the January 18 final, which Senegal won on the pitch but was later awarded to hosts Morocco on appeal.
They were charged with “hooliganism,” an offence that includes acts of violence against law enforcement, damage to sports facilities, invading the pitch and throwing projectiles.
A Frenchman of Algerian origin was also released on Saturday after serving three months for throwing a water bottle during the final.
