Judicial inquiry into deadly stadium stampede

Human rights groups in Guinea say they believe more than 135 football fans were killed in last Sunday’s crush at a stadium in Nzérékoré. BBC News reports that Justice Minister Yaya Kaïraba Kaba has announced the opening of a judicial inquiry into the tragedy. He said anyone disseminating ‘unverified or malicious information’, would be arrested and prosecuted. The deadly incident followed a controversial refereeing decision during the match. Police responded with tear gas, as spectators tried to flee. But the rights groups blamed the deaths on the game's organisers and Guinea's ruling military junta, who held the tournament in honour of President Mamady Doumbouya. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah on Tuesday announced three days of national mourning for the victims. Guinea is among several African countries that are currently banned from holding international football matches for not meeting international standards.