Diaspora, Africa – (African Boulevard News) – The legal battle surrounding former Senegalese mayor Khalifa Sall’s fraud conviction has taken a new twist as the lawyer representing him declared her intention to use all available legal means to appeal the conviction and secure his release.
The Senegalese politician, who is widely regarded as a major opposition figure, was sentenced to five years in prison in 2018 on charges of fraudulent use of public funds. The trial deeply divided Senegal and sparked clashes between Sall’s supporters and security forces, which battered the country’s image of stability.
Speaking on the matter, Sall’s lawyer, Aïssata Tall Sall, said the verdict was unfair and lacking in evidence, adding that they would use all available legal means to overturn the decision.
“The conviction of Khalifa Sall is not only a serious injustice to my client, but also a blow to the rule of law in Senegal,” said Aïssata Tall Sall. “We will not rest until justice is served, and all the necessary legal means will be used to ensure that Khalifa Sall is released from prison and vindicated.”
The case against Sall, who served as mayor of Senegal’s capital city, Dakar, from 2009 to 2018, was largely seen as politically motivated, with many of his supporters arguing that he was being targeted by the government for his criticism of President Macky Sall (no relation).
The former mayor’s legal team had previously called for the case to be dropped, citing a lack of evidence against him. However, the court denied their plea, citing the weight of the evidence presented against Sall.
Despite the guilty verdict, Sall’s supporters have vowed to continue their fight for justice, with many taking to the streets to protest the outcome of the trial.
“Our struggle for justice and freedom for Khalifa Sall will never stop,” said one of Sall’s supporters, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We will use all the means at our disposal to challenge this verdict and ensure that justice is served.”
The case has triggered concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Senegal, which has long been regarded as a beacon of stability in West Africa.
As the legal battle continues to play out, many are eagerly watching to see what the next move will be in this contentious and divisive case.
