A Muslim cleric in Senegal has escaped a custodial sentence after being found guilty in connection with posting a video on Facebook which condemned elders of the powerful Mouride sect.

Cheikh Mbacke Sakho was given a six-month suspended sentence for what prosecutors called an "insult against a whole community, through electronic means”.

The Mouride sect, which belongs to the Sufi branch of Islam, has a huge following in Senegal, giving it political and economic clout in the mostly Muslim country.

Mr Sakho belongs to the sect, and the AFP news agency reports that he caused anger last month when he alleged in a video that Mouride elders "swindled" their followers, and took money from Muslims to advance their business interests.

The leaders of the Mouride community denied the allegations and warned that his comments could cause public unrest.

Those who defended him, mostly online and anonymously, said Mr Sakho had only exercised his right to freedom of speech.

Mr Sakho was not in court in the capital, Dakar, when the sentence was given. His lawyer said he feared being physically attacked.

AFP Copyright: AFP The sect has its headquarters in Senegal's Touba city Image caption: The sect has its headquarters in Senegal's Touba city

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