Own Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Human rights groups in Guinea have reported that more than 135 football fans were killed in a tragic crush at a stadium in Nz\u00e9r\u00e9kor\u00e9 on Sunday, with most of the victims being children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This figure, while unverified, significantly exceeds the official death toll of 56 provided by the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rights groups based their estimates on information gathered from hospitals, cemeteries, eyewitness accounts, and local media. They also noted that over 50 individuals remain missing following the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We now estimate 135 people died at the stadium, mostly children under the age of 18,” a representative from the rights groups stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The deadly incident occurred after a controversial refereeing decision during a match sparked violence among fans. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as police deployed tear gas to control the crowd, leading to panic and a rush for the stadium’s only small exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The stadium was packed to the rafters with thousands of people before the deadly incident,” said local journalist Paul Sakouvogi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“There was only one exit, which was very small, where the crush occurred as people tried to flee.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to the tragedy, Justice Minister Yaya Ka\u00efraba Kaba announced the initiation of a judicial inquiry into the incident and warned that anyone spreading “unverified or malicious information” would face arrest and prosecution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We must respect the mourning of Guinea and the families,” government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual commented, emphasizing the need for accurate information during this period of national mourning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah declared three days of national mourning for the victims, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government has faced criticism for its handling of the event, with rights groups blaming both the tournament organizers and Guinea’s ruling military junta for the excessive use of tear gas in an enclosed area, which they argue contributed to the fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guinea, like several other African nations, is currently banned from hosting international football matches due to failure to meet international safety standards, a situation that has raised concerns about the safety of local events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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