Moroccan journalist Dounia Filali suffers heart attack following open-ended hunger strike
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- It is with great sadness that we report that the Moroccan journalist and human rights defender, Dounia Filali, suffered a heart attack on the fourth day of her open-ended hunger strike in France, as a final measure to combat the intolerable oppression inflicted upon her and her husband, Adnane Filali, by the French authorities, who are catering to the Moroccan regime. This is their ultimate recourse in the pursuit of justice.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those who fight for justice and human rights. Ms. Filali’s unwavering commitment to her cause is a testament to her bravery and dedication.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Ms. Filali and her loved ones during this difficult time. We also urge the French government to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by Ms. Filali and other human rights defenders. It is imperative that we work together to create a world where individuals can exercise their rights without fear of persecution or harm.
As political refugees currently residing in France and benefiting from UNHCR protection in China, under the strict mandate of Articles 5 and 6 of the 1951 Geneva Convention, the Moroccan journalists have been subjected to persecution by the Moroccan regime and its intelligence services due to their journalistic activities. In light of this ongoing persecution, the journalists have launched an appeal to the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and his government, urging them to assume full responsibility and abide by the 1951 Geneva Convention in response to the Makhzen regime’s cross-border repression aimed at silencing their voices, but in vain!
In a sweeping move, the journalists have decided to embark on a hunger strike to protest against the persecution they have endured for years. They also accuse the French authorities of complicity in this repression.
In their statement, the journalists have highlighted the deprivation of their fundamental rights as political refugees and human beings by the Parisian authorities. They assert that the French authorities seem to prioritize preserving their bilateral relations with Morocco over upholding international laws and conventions. The journalists have called on human rights organizations and democratic countries to support them in their quest for resettlement in a safe country that respects their rights, dignity, and freedom of expression, in accordance with the Geneva Convention.
Recent evidence obtained by journalists Dounia and Adnan Filali reveals a disturbing complicity between French and Moroccan authorities. Confidential documents obtained by the journalists confirm their allegations that the French authorities are collaborating with their Moroccan counterparts to persecute them. The motive behind this persecution is to silence the journalists and preserve bilateral relations between the two countries.
The journalists have also denounced the accusation of defamation brought against them, which they believe is a tactic used by the Moroccan regime to force them to leave their country of origin. This revelation is in line with the conclusions of a special committee of the European Parliament and human rights organizations, which have already denounced the use of the Pegasus spy program by the Moroccan regime to monitor journalists and activists, both inside and outside the country.
