Ndiaga Seck case: A defendant who is ill requests a closed hearing...

The trial of Matar Ndiaga Seck and his 31 co-defendants opened this Wednesday before the Louga Criminal Court. The defendants are being prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, unnatural acts, intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS, endangering the lives of others, illegal collection of personal data, and sexual harassment.

Among the defendants are Amadou Guèye alias Djigui, Mame Abdou alias Baye Tama, Alioune Fall, Mouhamed Guèye, Mouhamed Ndiaye, Assane Sy, Amadou Niane, Sélé Diop, El Hadj Socé Diop, Matar Ndiaga Seck and Cheikh Niass.

After the defendants were called to court, the public prosecutor requested a postponement of the case. In support of his request, the prosecution explained that Mouhamed Ndiaye, also known as Oustaz, was ill and in the special ward. He also noted the absence from the country of Mr. Cheikh Ndiaye, the lawyer who had been involved in the proceedings since their inception.

The prosecution has therefore proposed the date of December 28, in order to allow in particular the extraction and appearance of the sick defendant.

Speaking on behalf of the defense, one of the lawyers stated that he had been informed that Mouhamed Ndiaye had left the special wing and was now in Louga prison. This lawyer argued that a three-week postponement was a reasonable delay.

Another council, however, proposed November 26th as the date, believing it would allow for a fair trial. It also requested that the proceedings be held behind closed doors.

Finally, the court adjourned the case until December 14 for closing arguments and the removal of Mouhamed Ndiaye from the courtroom. Regarding the request for a closed hearing, the judge indicated that the court would rule on this matter at the start of the next hearing.

The plaintiffs, Serigne Modou and Abdou Cissé, were present at the hearing.