In Senegal as the trial opens for hundreds of people arrested in the days of violence that followed the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to 2 years in prison.

Among those on trial are minors between 15 and 18 who will appear before a Juvenile Court while those under the age of 14, were acquitted.

The majority of others arrested, particularly adults, are being prosecuted for disturbing the peace, undermining state security and calling for insurrection.

Recall last Sunday, the police announced that they had arrested around 500 people including minors and foreigners.

Meanwhile, Pastef, the party of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, announced that 21 people were killed in violent demonstrations last week.

While calling for an impartial investigation into the killings, the political group demanded the release of more than 700 political detainees.

El Hadj Malick Ndiay spokesperson for Pastef speaking at a press conference late Thursday, condemned what he called the continuous house arrest of their leader Sonko.

As a reminder, the Senegalese government had announced 16 dead and 500 others arrested for the violence.