Dounia Filali Details Arbitrary Arrest, Continued Harassment in France Despite Refugee Status

✏️ By: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | July 18th, 2024 — In a comprehensive statement published on her official Twitter account, prominent Moroccan opposition journalist Dounia Filali has accused French authorities of arbitrary arrest and continued persecution. Filali, who holds refugee status under the protection of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), emphasized that both she and her husband have been subjected to relentless harassment since their arrival in France.

Arbitrary Arrest Incident

On the day of the incident, Filali recounted that over eight police officers arrived at her residence at 1 PM, allegedly in response to a noise complaint. She was forcefully taken to the police station, handcuffed, and photographed by an individual using a long-range telephoto lens. At the station, her fingerprints and photographs were taken, and she was interrogated and held for several hours. Fellow journalist Adnane Filali was also detained but not placed in custody.

Systematic Persecution and Harassment

Filali asserts that her rights and those of her husband have been systematically violated despite their status as political refugees. She compared their treatment in France unfavorably to that of prisoners in North Korea, criticizing French human rights organizations for their inaction and the silence of French politicians and media. Filali also mentioned that her case has garnered international attention and support from 15 European parliamentarians across five countries, including Germany, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal.

Confidential Documents Reveal Diplomatic Pressures

In her statement, Filali disclosed possessing confidential documents indicating that her presence in France negatively impacts Franco-Moroccan relations. One document shows an email exchange involving a French Interior Ministry official, distributing a note from Morocco concerning Filali to various prefectures and administrations in Paris.

Life Under Threat

Filali described threats she has received, including a video from a Moroccan economist residing in France who directly threatened her life. Despite providing evidence, including the individual’s name, address, and the video, French authorities dismissed her complaint. Another complaint involving a death threat was similarly dismissed within 24 hours. Filali’s personal information has been repeatedly exposed on social media by Moroccan agents, further exacerbating her security concerns.

Ongoing Struggle for Justice

Filali emphasized the psychological trauma she experienced due to her forced arrest and handcuffing. She noted the absence of any documentation proving her custody and the lack of clarity regarding the reasons for her arrest. Despite her clean criminal record in Morocco, Hong Kong, China, and France, she and her husband face discrimination based on defamatory articles by Moroccan intelligence services.

Commitment to Advocacy

Despite the relentless persecution, Filali remains resolute in her mission to create content that criticizes the Moroccan regime and advocates for the rights of her fellow citizens. She underscored that her only “crime” is defending the rights of Moroccans and exposing the inhumane actions of the Moroccan government.

To be continued…

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube