Senegal: Opposition head put under judicial supervision

LOME, Togo

Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was placed under judicial supervision after his second hearing at a court in the capital Dakar, his party said Monday.

Sonko, head of the Patriots Party of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF), was taken home by the national gendarmerie after the hearing. He is accused by a young woman of repeated rape and making death threats.

Sonko was heard in court for the first time on March 5, and his police custody ended on Sunday evening.

He was arrested on Feb. 24 on the way to court along with supporters opposing his arrest, and police used force to disperse them. At least five people were reported dead during demonstrations following his arrest.

Local media on Monday reported demonstrations in various parts of the country.

Human rights defenders are urging Senegalese authorities to respect the right to demonstrate without resorting to violence.

While many Senegalese welcomed his release, others also took to social media to express outrage over the killing and imprisonment of protesters.