The Senegalese prosecutor is now advocating for a 10-year prison sentence for opposition leader Ousmane Sonko in a rape case that has caused tensions in the West African nation.

Sonko, who enjoys great popularity among young people, has labeled the trial as a political conspiracy aimed at thwarting his presidential aspirations for 2024.

The trial was adjourned early on Wednesday, and a verdict is expected to be delivered on June 1, according to the president of the criminal court, following a hearing that extended into the early hours of Wednesday.

The trial resumed on Tuesday after the court rejected pleas from Sonko and his co-accused for a postponement when Sonko failed, for the second time, to attend the legal proceedings.

Sonko has been charged with rape and making death threats against an employee of a beauty salon in Dakar.

The 48-year-old opposition leader claims he visited the salon for a massage to alleviate chronic back pain and vehemently denies any assault.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the complainant, Adji Sarr, maintained her accusations, stating that she had been assaulted by Sonko on five occasions. She also claimed to have received death threats.

Sonko’s trial began on May 16 but was immediately adjourned until May 23 due to his absence.

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Citing concerns for his safety, Sonko declared that he would not appear in court without guarantees from the state regarding his personal security.

Sonko is believed to be in the southern city of Ziguinchor, several hundred kilometers away from Dakar, where he serves as mayor. If convicted, Sonko risks being disqualified from running for office.

He leads the PASTEF-Patriots party, secured the third position in the 2019 election, trailing behind incumbent Macky Sall.

Senegal has traditionally been a bastion of stability in a troubled West Africa, but in recent years, it has faced bouts of unrest that have occasionally turned violent.

When Sonko was arrested in 2021, several days of protests resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people.

Three individuals lost their lives during clashes between Sonko supporters and the police before the trial commenced on May 16.

Political tensions have also been exacerbated by President Sall’s refusal to rule out seeking a third term, which his opponents argue would be unconstitutional.

Sall was elected in 2012 when the presidential term was seven years, and he was re-elected in 2019 when the mandate was reduced to five years.