Senegalese authorities have arrested television commentator Badara Gadiaga following his appearance on a local talk show, during which he discussed past allegations against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party. Gadiaga referred to the controversial sexual assault case filed by former employee Adji Sarr against Sonko during his time as opposition leader.
Officials deemed his remarks a “violation of public morals,” especially after a video clip of the segment went viral on social media, prompting the cybercrime unit to launch an urgent investigation.
Gadiaga’s lawyer called the charges “excessive” and a breach of constitutionally protected free speech. Opposition figures and human rights groups accused the government of attempting to “silence public discourse” and divert attention from pressing economic and social issues such as rising living costs.
Gadiaga is scheduled to appear in court early next week, in what observers see as a test of Senegal’s commitment to free expression amid growing tensions between moral standards and legal limits.
