Senegalese opposition figure Ousmane Sonko on Monday was charged with fomenting insurrection, three days after being arrested at his home, one of his lawyers told reporters. Sonko said Sunday he is now on hunger strike after being arrested this week.
Sonko, a fierce critic of President Macky Sall, "was charged and placed in custody" after appearing before a judge, lawyer Ousseynou Ngom told AFP.
Sonko explained, "In the face of so much hate, lies, oppression, persecution, I have decided to resist," of his decision to go on hunger strike and urged "all political detainees" to join him.
Senegal's public prosecutor on Saturday announced seven new charges against the politician – who has faced a string of legal woes he claims are aimed at keeping him out of politics.
He is scheduled to be interrogated by a judge on Monday.
In a press conference on Sunday in the capital Dakar, Sonko's lawyers said authorities had not respected his rights.
Sonko was sentenced to two years in prison on June 1 in a high-profile moral corruption case.
The sentence, which could bar him from next year's presidential election, sparked clashes that left at least 16 dead.
Read moreSenegal's opposition leader Sonko warns of 'chaos' if barred from election
The prosecutor said his arrest on Friday and the new charges announced on Saturday are unrelated to the moral corruption case.
The new charges are over comments he has made, rallies he has held, and other episodes since 2021, including an incident at his home on Friday that led to his arrest, the prosecutor said.
They include calling for insurrection, undermining state security, criminal association with a terrorist body and theft, the prosecutor added.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
