World · Africa · 5 hrs ago
Senegal arrests activist over protest against Israeli athletes at Youth Olympics
Senegalese authorities arrested pro-Palestinian activist Amadou Sarang Diallo after he posted a TikTok video criticizing Israel’s participation in the Youth Olympic Games.
The games are taking place in Senegal from 31 October to 13 November, with nearly 2,700 athletes from around the world.
Eleven Israeli athletes are competing in eight sports, and their participation has drawn protests from some Senegalese activists.
A civil society group coordinator said Diallo’s words in Wolof were misconstrued as a call for violence and that police found nothing dangerous in his home.
Civil society groups and Amnesty International Senegal want him released, arguing that peaceful political expression should not lead to imprisonment.
The arrest has renewed debate about free speech and Senegal’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause; no further steps in Diallo’s case were reported.
Senegalese activist Amadou Sarang Diallo was arrested after posting a TikTok video condemning Israeli athletes’ participation in the Youth Olympic Games.
Civil society groups and Amnesty International Senegal have called for his release, saying his expression was peaceful.
A civil society coordinator said Diallo’s words were misconstrued as a call for violence.
The games began on 31 October in Senegal and are scheduled to run until 13 November, with nearly 2,700 athletes taking part.
- Who
- Amadou Sarang Diallo, a 27-year-old pro-Palestinian activist, was arrested.
- What
- He was arrested after posting a TikTok video condemning Israeli participation in the Youth Olympic Games.
- When
- The article says he was arrested on Friday, but also says he was reportedly arrested on Monday.
- Where
- Senegal, about 88km outside Dakar.
- Why
- A civil society coordinator said his video was misconstrued as a call for violence. The authorities’ stated reason is not provided.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Youth Olympic Games began in Senegal.
Diallo was arrested, according to the article’s account from activists.
The National Alliance for the Palestinian Cause issued a statement expressing concern about Diallo’s arrest.
Amnesty International Senegal’s executive director called for Diallo’s release.
- Age
- 27
- Arrest location
- About 88km outside Dakar
- Games began
- 31 October
- Games scheduled to end
- 13 November
- Athletes at the games
- Nearly 2,700
- Israeli participants
- 11 athletes in eight sports
1 source
What people are saying
In [the] Wolof language it does not mean something dangerous
found nothing dangerous
freedom of expression and opinion is a fundamental right in any democratic society
Respect freedom of expression! Amadou Sarang Diallo is not violent.
Posts on X
#Senegal #JOJ : Libérez Amadou Sarang Diallo! Respectez la liberté d'expression! Amadou Sarang Diallo n'est pas violent. Il a participé à plusieurs actions pacifiques de dénonciation du génocide à #Gaza , au stade Abdoulaye Wade lors des matchs de l'équipe nationale. @PR_Diomaye