Moroccan Rights Organizations Criticize Actions Reinforcing Spanish Occupation of Melilla
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Political, trade union, and human rights organizations in the Moroccan city of Nador strongly criticized a series of decisions made by Moroccan authorities, which they argue solidify the Spanish occupation of Melilla and contribute to its complete separation from Moroccan territory.
In a joint statement, the organizations expressed deep concern over several decisions affecting the borders between Nador and the occupied Melilla. These decisions undermine longstanding principles governing border crossings and the border fence separating Melilla from the Moroccan communities of Beni Chiker, Beni Ansar, including areas such as Bouqana in Nador and Arkaman, violating the right to movement constitutionally guaranteed.
The organizations highlighted unlawful measures, including verbal orders from regional authorities in Nador, preventing Moroccan citizens from entering certain areas near Melilla, such as the coasts of Beni Chiker, N’bouda, Sharana, Car Ablanca, and Beni Ansar (Bouqana). Moroccan citizens are subjected to inspections by Moroccan police, both upon entry and exit from Melilla, similar to procedures when leaving the kingdom. The statement specifically condemned the reinforcement of security barriers by auxiliary forces and the Royal Gendarmerie at the entrances to these areas, restricting Moroccan citizens’ access.
Moreover, the Moroccan authorities completed the construction of fences with sharp blades along the borders with occupied Melilla. Some sections of the fence reach a height of seven meters, accompanied by a three-meter-deep trench. Hundreds of gendarmerie, army, auxiliary forces, and police personnel have been deployed to play the role of guards protecting the borders of Melilla. This is happening at a time when certain areas in the Nador region are witnessing an alarming increase in crime, drug trafficking, and assaults on citizens in public spaces.
The construction of this fence with sharp blades on the Moroccan side of the borders comes after Melilla authorities refrained from building it due to its dangers and its contradiction with European legislation. This additional factor further cements Spanish occupation of the city and normalization with it.
The signatory organizations raised the alarm about the danger of these illegal measures, asserting that they reinforce the Spanish occupation of Melilla and contribute to its complete separation from Morocco. They called on Moroccan authorities to reconsider all these unilateral measures, initiated without any national debate, and to refrain from playing the role of enforcers for Spanish migration policies. These policies aim to use the migration and asylum card to consolidate Spanish control over Melilla.
The signatories of the statement include the branches of the Democratic Left Federation, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, the Democratic Way Workers’ Party, the Democratic Labor Confederation, the Moroccan Human Rights Association, the Democratic Labor Organization, and the Unified Socialist Party, along with the National Union of Education – Democratic Orientation.
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
