Human rights groups in Guinea say at least 135 fans were killed when they were trampled at a soccer stadium on Sunday

The number, which has not been confirmed, far exceeds the official death toll of 56.

The groups said the estimate is based on information from hospitals, cemeteries, stadium martyrs, victims’ families, mosques, churches and local media. More than 50 others are still missing, the same organizations said.

However, the military government warned against spreading “unconfirmed” information, saying investigations were continuing. The justice minister even said anyone spreading “unconfirmed or malicious information” would be arrested and prosecuted.

A controversial refereeing decision sparked violence and a crush at a soccer match in southeast Guinea, killing 56 people, according to a provisional toll, the government said https://t.co/aLctaXGCFY pic.twitter.com/tJ8vEjpkCR

— Reuters (@Reuters) December 2, 2024

The tragedy occurred in the country’s second largest city, Nzerecore.

It was preceded by a controversial referee’s decision, which led to violent incidents.

Police responded with tear gas as people tried to flee.

However, rights groups blamed the deaths on the game organisers and the Guinean military junta, which organised the tournament in honour of the president, for the deaths. They argue that excessive use of tear gas was used in an enclosed area, adding that vehicles carrying officials leaving the stadium hit civilians trying to escape.