Senegal opposition plans mass protests over court ruling

A coalition of opposition parties in Senegal has announced that it will hold protest marches in response to what it claims is an attempt to prevent Ousmane Sonko, one of its leaders, from running for president after being found guilty of defamation.

For disparaging Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niangtou, an appeals court on Monday doubled Mr. Sonko's suspended prison term from two to six months.

Additionally, he will go on trial later this month for alleged rape and death threats following a complaint made by a beauty parlor employee.

He claims the accusations are made for political reasons. The administration disputes this.