Professor Mohamed Ziane’s Dire Health Condition Raises Questions about Prisoner Treatment and Human Rights in Morocco

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS, August 17, 2023- In a disconcerting revelation, a source closely associated with Professor Mohamed Ziane has informed the Moroccan newspaper Alwakai3e that his health is rapidly deteriorating within the confines of his prison cell. The renowned Moroccan journalist Dounia Filali, drawing from these credible sources, disclosed that Professor Ziane has endured a drastic loss of over 80% of his hearing in one ear and is grappling with severe eye complications that pose a serious threat to his vision. Shockingly, despite the urgency of his medical condition, the Moroccan regime’s authorities have resisted transferring him to an external medical facility, fueling suspicions of political motivations behind his deteriorating health.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, it has been revealed that Professor Ziane is also battling with spondyloarthritis, a debilitating condition that not only threatens paralysis but also compromises his vision if left untreated. This comes in conjunction with the excruciating challenge of sitting and standing due to spinal arthritis, a debilitating condition that if not adequately managed, could potentially lead to paralysis. Regrettably, his current state of health indicates that proper medical attention has been denied.

The Moroccan journalist Dounia Filali has emerged as a staunch advocate for Professor Ziane’s case, vehemently urging an immediate transfer to an external hospital where he can access the critical medical care his deteriorating health necessitates. Filali’s efforts highlight the dire state of a legal luminary who has dedicated his career to championing human rights and challenging repressive regimes.

The refusal to provide Professor Ziane with the requisite healthcare casts a disturbing shadow over the treatment of prisoners in Morocco. The denial of his basic right to adequate medical attention not only raises concerns about his well-being but also underscores potential political motivations behind his deteriorating condition. This stance is in direct contrast to the nation’s commitment to safeguarding human rights and upholding justice.

Despite repeated requests, the institutions under the Moroccan regime have consistently rejected the transfer of Professor Ziane to a specialized hospital outside the prison for the vital medical care he urgently requires. This blatant disregard for internationally recognized conventions and treaties focused on humanitarian treatment underscores a troubling disregard for his health and well-being.

Professor Mohamed Ziane, a former Minister of Human Rights during the era of Hassan II and now one of the world’s most prominent political prisoners under Mohammed VI’s reign, was incarcerated due to his political stances and unrelenting inquiries into the misappropriation of natural resources, including the infamous “Tata’s gold,” that belong to the Moroccan people. Furthermore, his outspoken criticism of the Moroccan security apparatus and its judicial practices led to a concoction of eleven baseless charges, culminating in his three-year prison sentence. These details were disclosed in interviews with the press before his confinement in Al-Arjat prison.

The sequence of events leading to Professor Mohamed Ziane’s incarceration unfolded a year ago when he was apprehended by more than 20 security personnel in his Rabat office. The swift affirmation of the initial ruling and the immediate issuance of an arrest order by the Rabat Appeal Court have only deepened suspicions that his detention may be politically motivated, retaliatory in nature against his vocal opposition to the government.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Ziane has earned a reputation for fearlessly advocating on behalf of dissenting voices against the Makhzen. His legal and media platforms have been instrumental in contesting allegations aimed at activists, including those involved in the Rif Movement and the renowned journalist Toufik Bouachrine. His persistent critique of the regime’s repressive policies and their contribution to heightened political tensions has positioned him as a resilient and influential figure.

In light of these developments, the urgency of Ziane’s deteriorating health and the refusal to provide him with adequate medical attention warrant immediate and concerted action to uphold the fundamental principles of justice and human dignity.