Senegalese police have arrested a man who posted a TikTok video threatening Israeli athletes competing at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, local media reported, citing the Senegalese daily Libération.
Amadou Sarang Diallo, 27, a construction worker from Nguékhokh, was detained by the Criminal Investigation Division and referred to prosecutors on Friday, two days before the Games opened. In the video, he called on Senegalese citizens to “stand up and say no to the participation of Israeli athletes in these Olympic Games,” and warned that the athletes “will have no peace” if they set foot in Senegal.
Under questioning, Diallo expressed regret and called the video a “communication error.” He said he had only meant to urge Senegalese to peacefully protest Israel’s participation over the situation in Gaza. He was also questioned over posts deemed disrespectful toward President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former President Macky Sall, and apologized for those as well.
Seydi Gassama, executive director of Amnesty International Senegal, called Monday for Diallo’s release, saying he is not violent and urging authorities not to criminalize freedom of expression during the Games.
The Dakar Youth Olympics are the first Olympic event ever held in Africa.
