European Parliamentarians Rally in Solidarity: Demanding Justice and Protection for Moroccan Journalists Dounia and Adnane Filali in France
BY: Hana Saada
Brussels, July 21, 2023: In a show of solidarity and concern, prominent Members of the European Parliament have come forward to express their support for Dounia and Adnane Filali, two Moroccan journalists, human rights defenders, and political refugees who have faced ongoing persecution at the hands of the Moroccan regime and its intelligence services. Despite seeking refuge in France, the journalists continue to live in constant danger due to the refusal of the French authorities to acknowledge their political refugee status.
Dounia and Adnane fled their home country, seeking sanctuary in Europe to escape persecution and find safety. However, recent attempts by the French Government to expel them to Morocco have raised alarm bells, sparking a call for justice and protection for their rights.
Dounia and Adnane’s journey as refugees began in 2020, when the Moroccan regime targeted them in response to their journalistic and human rights work. Facing grave threats and an attempted attack by individuals affiliated with the Moroccan secret services and embassy, they fled to China, where they had sought temporary safety. However, their relocation to France did not bring the expected sanctuary, as they were met with a series of injustices and human rights violations.
For two years, the French authorities have declined to recognize Dounia and Adnane’ status as political refugees to maintain favorable bilateral relations with Morocco. Their ordeal on French territory has been marked by numerous persecutions, including threats from Moroccan-aligned newspapers, discrimination by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII), denial of basic rights like housing and financial aid, and prohibition from working.
Shockingly, all legal complaints filed by the journalists, such as defamation and death threats, were dismissed within 48 hours without any valid reason, leaving them without proper legal recourse or representation. The situation has been exacerbated by Moroccan newspapers, acting as tools of the security services, publishing their movements in France and private information. Moreover, defamatory articles from these Moroccan publications have been employed by certain French state bodies as false accusations against the journalists.
European Parliamentarians Rally to Support Dounia and Adnane Filali, Demanding Justice for Political Refugees
As defenders of human rights, the European parliamentarians insist on upholding European and international law, asserting that Dounia and Adnane Filali have the right to be resettled in a safe country. Their journey to seek asylum was driven by a genuine fear of persecution, and their fate must be treated with the utmost sensitivity and respect for their fundamental rights.
At the heart of the matter lies the troubling evidence that the rejection of their political refugee status was preordained for political reasons. This discovery has led to mounting concern among European parliamentarians, who vehemently denounce any actions that compromise the principles of human rights and international law.
To shed light on the situation, the European parliamentarians are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the actions of both the French and Moroccan Governments. They believe it is crucial to expose any form of prejudice or bias in the asylum process, ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of political refugees are protected.
The case of Dounia and Adnane serves as a stark reminder of the continued struggle for the protection of political refugees across the globe. European parliamentarians firmly believe that the true measure of a society’ strength lies in its ability to offer compassion, safety, and justice to those in need.
As the situation unfolds, European parliamentarians vow to keep a close eye on developments, ensuring that the rights of Dounia and Adnane Filali are upheld and that justice is served.
European parliamentarians denounce and warn about Adnane & Dounia Filali case ,pdf
The signatories:
Miguel Urban, MEP, THE LEFT
Cornelia Ernst, MEP, THE LEFT
Jose Gusmão, MEP, THE LEFT
Marisa Matias, MEP, THE LEFT
Ozlem Demirel, MEP, THE LEFT
Clare Daly, MEP, THE LEFT
Mick Wallace, MEP, THE LEFT
Idoia Villanueva, MEP, THE LEFT
Ignazio Corrao, MEP, Greens/ EFA
Ana Miranda, MEP, Greens/ EFA
Diana Riba I Giner, MEP, Greens/ EFA
