UN alarmed by Senegal unrest and protest ban

The United Nations' Human Rights office (OHCHR) says it's deeply troubled by developments in Senegal, where at least 16 people have been killed and more than 500 have been arrested during anti-government protests.

The OHCHR condemned the use of firearms by security forces and said it was concerned by restrictions on freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.

Last week the government imposed a ban on opposition rallies.

The unrest was triggered by the imposition of a two-year jail sentence for the opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.

Image via Reuters.