The trial of the leader of Senegal’s main opposition movement, Ousmane Sonko, has been postponed after a day of clashes between police and protesters in the capital, Dakar.
Sonko, who was arrested last month on charges of insulting the president, attempted rape and incitement to violence, was due to appear before the court on Monday. However, the court said it was postponing the trial due to the “deterioration of the security situation”.
Thousands of protesters had gathered outside the courthouse in Dakar to demand the release of Sonko, who has been in detention since his arrest in February. The protests turned violent as security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. At least one person was killed and several others were injured in the clashes.
The postponement of the trial comes amid growing calls from the opposition and activists for the release of Sonko and other political prisoners. The protests have also been seen as a sign of growing discontent with the government of President Macky Sall, who is accused of clamping down on dissent and opposition voices.