Senegal opposition leader Sonko charged with plotting insurrection

FILE PHOTO: Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko speaks during a news conference in Dakar, Senegal March 8, 2021. REUTERS/Cooper Inveen//File Photo

DAKAR (Reuters) - Senegal's opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was charged on Saturday with plotting an insurrection, criminal conspiracy and other offenses, two months after his trial for a separate rape charge sparked deadly riots across the country.

Sonko, 49, was handed a two-year prison sentence on June 1 for immoral behavior towards individuals younger than 21, leading to protests in which at least 16 people were killed.