Abass Fall criticizes Diomaye Faye over Lamignou Darou arrest

• Abass Fall criticized Diomaye Faye over the arrest of three young activists in Senegal.
• The activists were detained by Senegal's Division spéciale de cybersécurité and labeled 'otages' of a legitimate exercise in freedom of expression.
• Abass Fall drew parallels between his own February arrest during President Sall's tenure and that of the detained activists.
• Senegal's cybercrime law has been criticized for its broad scope and potential to infringe on freedom of expression.
• The initial case for Lamignou Darou and Ndiaye Touba was reportedly decided with a condemnation in October 2025, with broader implications for free speech in Senegal.

Abass Fall drew parallels between his own February arrest during President Sall's tenure and that of the detained activists.

Abass Fall, the Mayor of Dakar, has publicly criticized Diomaye Faye over the arrest of three young activists. The activists were detained by Senegal's Division spéciale de cybersécurité and labeled 'otages' of a legitimate exercise in freedom of expression by Abass Fall. In a personal statement made during President Sall's tenure, Abass Fall reflected on his own February arrest, drawing parallels between his experience and that of the detained activists.

Senegal's cybercrime law has been at the center of controversy in recent months. The law has been criticized for its broad scope and potential to infringe on freedom of expression. Abass Fall's criticism of Diomaye Faye may have implications for future court decisions regarding the limits of free speech in Senegal. Lawyers are closely watching this development, as it could set a precedent for the interpretation of the cybercrime law.

The Lamignou Darou arrest has sparked a heated debate about the balance between national security and individual freedoms in Senegal. Abass Fall's criticism of Diomaye Faye highlights the need for clarity on the limits of freedom of expression under the cybercrime law. While the initial case for Lamignou Darou and Ndiaye Touba was reportedly decided with a condemnation in October 2025, the broader implications for online activism continue to be a subject of discussion.

Lawyers should watch for potential precedent on the limits of freedom of expression in Senegal, as Abass Fall's criticism may influence future court decisions.

Source: Original reporting via Le Journal