Modification of Senegalese Penal Code concerning counterterrorism threatens human rights obligations

Human Rights Watch, an international human rights organization, is concerned regarding the amendment of the Senegalese Penal Code regarding counterterrorism. On July 5, 2021, via a Press Release, HRW stated that the new counterterrorism laws could potentially penalize political speech and peaceful protests as ‘terrorist acts’. The bill amending the Penal Code was adopted by the Senegalese National Assembly on June 25, 2021. A concerning part of the bill is the ‘vague’ (according to HRW) definition of terrorism, which includes ‘seriously disturbing public order’, ‘criminal association’ which are all punishable with life in prison.