Ousmane Sonko’s French Lawyer Expelled From Senega

Juan Branco, a French-Spanish lawyer detained in Dakar due to his alleged involvement in the recent turmoil in Senegal, was granted release on Monday with judicial oversight before being deported, as confirmed by both authorities and his legal representatives.

In defiance of an arrest warrant, Mr Branco illicitly entered Senegal recently to aid in the defense of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. After an extensive search, he was captured in Mauritania on Friday evening. Thereafter, he was handed over to Senegalese authorities and detained on Sunday, facing various charges.

“He was taken from prison this morning (Monday) and presented to the judge, who informed him that he had been placed under judicial supervision”, Robin Binsard, one of his lawyers, told AFP. He was then handed over to the police for deportation, he said.

“He is exhausted but relieved”, added Mr Binsard. The minister said that Mr Branco had refused to eat or drink while in detention.

His legal team reported that on Sunday, Mr Branco was charged with a range of offenses including assault, conspiracy, dissemination of false information, engagement in actions and strategies that could jeopardize public security or incite significant political unrest, illegal residency, and contempt of court.

The actions of the Spanish-French lawyer have been treated with utmost gravity by the authorities. He gained recognition in the country for his involvement in defending Ousmane Sonko, an opposition figure entangled in a prolonged dispute with the authorities and courts since 2021. The ongoing confrontation between Mr Sonko, a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, and the authorities has resulted in multiple instances of lethal violence.

Mr Branco garnered significant notice when he revealed in June his complaint in France against Senegalese President Macky Sall, alleging “crimes against humanity,” coinciding with a period of the country’s most severe turmoil in years. Furthermore, he petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to probe Mr Sall’s actions.

He is known for his very sharp attacks on the Senegalese government.

– Setting an “example” –

Since mid-July, Mr Branco has been the target of a Senegalese judicial investigation and an international arrest warrant.

The government has described him as a publicity-hungry lawyer who has contributed to the tensions in the country in recent months. He “tried to experiment with his theory of revolution and insurrection in Senegal”, said the Minister of Justice.

The authorities took it badly when the lawyer ignored the arrest warrant against him and unexpectedly arrived at a press conference of Mr Sonko’s lawyers on 30 July, two days after Mr Sonko had been arrested and was due to be detained on various charges, including calling for insurrection.

Mr Branco then disappeared before being arrested on Sunday in Mauritania in circumstances that are still unclear, on board a pirogue and dressed as a fisherman, according to the Senegalese media.

The minister said that some of the charges against Mr Branco were criminal in nature. He said: “He could have been held in custody for years”.

He assured that, despite the release, the proceedings would continue. “All the investigative steps will be taken; secondly, it is possible that his judicial supervision will be revoked; and thirdly, he may be tried. he could be sentenced, we have judicial cooperation relations (with) France, (which) means that he can serve his sentence in France”, according to the minister.

“But what was important in this case was that Senegal should show its sovereignty, that Senegal should set an example”, he added.

Mr Branco was entitled to French and Spanish consular assistance.