Popular Senegalese opposition politician Ousmane Sonko has been arrested by state forces, this was confirmed by his lawyer on Wednesday.
The politician is being accused of disturbing public order and breach of peace in the capital, Dakar, as he travelled to court for a hearing in a rape case.
Owing to his popularity, his motorcade was followed by hundreds of chanting supporters, who were dispersed by police with teargas.
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On Friday, Senegal’s parliament voted to strip Mr Sonko of his immunity so the rape prosecution could proceed.
Mr Sonko denies he raped a woman at a salon where he went to get massages.
The 46-year-old, who heads the opposition Pastef party, says the charges are politically motivated to stop him running in elections in 2024.
Mr Sonko came third in the 2019 presidential election and has accused President Macky Sall of manoeuvring to run for an unconstitutional third term.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
