Morocco pardons 18 jailed Senegal fans after AFCON final unrest

King Mohammed VI of Morocco granted a royal pardon on Saturday to 18 Senegalese soccer fans who had been jailed following a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final in January, the Royal Cabinet announced. The pardon was issued for humanitarian reasons and in recognition of the longstanding ties between Morocco and Senegal, coinciding with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

The 18 Senegalese supporters were sentenced in February to prison terms of up to one year on charges that included damaging sporting facilities and committing violence during a sporting event. Some of the individuals had already completed their sentences before the pardon was announced. According to the public prosecutor’s office, the charges were based largely on footage from security cameras at the stadium and medical certificates for injured law enforcement officers and stewards. Material damage from the violence was estimated at more than 370,000 euros, approximately $430,000.

The incident occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18 in Rabat. During the match, Senegalese fans attempted to storm the field, and Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded...