56 killed in Guinea stadium crush following disputed decision
56 people were killed at a football match in southeast Guinea after a controversial refereeing decision led to violence and a stadium crush, the government said on December 2nd according to Asharq al-Awsat and agencies.
The deaths occurred during the final of a tournament honouring Guinea’s military leader Mamady Doumbouya at a stadium in Nzerekore. The government, who have promised an investigation, said stones were throne by fans, leading to panic and a crush.
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A video showing dozens of people scrambling over high walls to escape has been authenticated by Reuters.
An official from Nzerekore’s administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, said many victims were minors caught in the turmoil after police fired tear gas. They described scenes of confusion and chaos with some parents retrieving bodies before they were officially counted.
Videos and pictures shared online showed victims lined up on the ground. In one video, over a dozen inert bodies could be seen including bodies of children, although Reuters couldn’t immediately verify that footage.
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Opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy said responsibility lay at the hands of authority for organizing tournaments to bolster political support for Doumbouya in contravention of a transition charter prior to a promised presidential election.
The ruling military junta made no immediate response to that accusation.
Asharq al-Awsat/agencies
