Algerian fans convicted of tearing Moroccan banknotes during AFCON see sentences reduced

The Court of Appeals in Marrakech has reduced the prison sentences of two Algerian nationals convicted of «insulting the kingdom’s flag and national currency» during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a review of the initial rulings.

Under the new decision, one defendant’s sentence was reduced from eight months to five months of effective imprisonment, while the other’s term was lowered from six months to two months.
 
The case dates back to January, when authorities arrested the individuals after a video circulated on social media showing one of them tearing up banknotes inside the Grand Stadium of Marrakech following an AFCON match between Algeria and Nigeria. They were subsequently placed in custody at the Oudaya prison complex on the outskirts of Marrakech.

During the match, which ended in a 2–0 victory for Nigeria, several Algerian supporters were seen waving banknotes after the final whistle, implying that they believed the referee had been bribed. One of the defendants went further by tearing the banknotes inside the stadium, an act that led to the charges.