Riot in Dakar over arrest of muslim cleric

Scores of devout Muslim youths sowed panic in Dakar on Monday as they smashed up dozens of cars in protest against the detention of a powerful religious leader or marabout.

Using rocks, sticks and other objects found on the road, the protesters were seen smashing the windows of cars parked around Independence Square in the heart of the city, as well as those of cars driving past.

The protesters, who also gathered in other parts of the capital, shouted “Free Bethio” in reference to Cheikh Bethio Thioune, a senior leader of the Mourides, Senegal’s richest and most powerful Muslim brotherhood.

Street traders hastily swept up their wares and ran off as the angry protesters swarmed the square, causing chaos as cars reversed and swerved to avoid projectiles.

Protesters also gathered in front of the Rebeuss prison where the marabout was recently transferred after initially being held in Thies, 70 kilometres (40 miles) from the capital.

Thioune was arrested on April 23 after the death of two of his disciples during a brawl at his house the previous evening. Their bodies were found buried in the nearby bush.

He was charged with complicity to murder along with several of his followers.

Thioune’s followers, who have protested in recent days in the capital, were also implicated in violent protests during the country’s electoral campaign in which they supported former president Abdoulaye Wade.

Senegal is a 95 percent Muslim nation whose citizens follow one of four Sufi brotherhoods. The west African nation has a reputation for religious tolerance.