Guinea groups say 135 people were killed in stadium after riot

“We now estimate that 135 people died in the stadium, most of them children under the age of 18,” the collective said in a statement, adding that more than 50 people were still missing.

The group blamed security forces for excessive use of tear gas and for prioritizing the protection of authorities over spectators.

He also said that vehicles carrying officials and others fleeing the stadium hit spectators as they tried to flee what he described as an overcrowded venue, the gate of which was blocked by security forces.

The organization said it held tournament organizers and Guinea’s administrative board accountable as they provided technical and financial support for the event in honor of military leader Mamady Doumbouya.

The government, which promised on Monday to launch an investigation, did not respond to the group’s statement.