Morocco/ Human Rights in Peril: Dounia Filali Exposes the Alarming State of Professor Mohamed Ziane’s Health Behind Bars
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS – In a tweet that has reverberated across borders, Moroccan journalist Dounia Filali has drawn attention to a deeply unsettling issue: the alarming decline of former Minister of Human Rights, Professor Mohamed Ziane’s health during his incarceration. Reliable sources have revealed that Professor Ziane has lost more than 80% of his hearing in one ear and is grappling with severe eye problems that jeopardize his vision. Disturbingly, the Moroccan regime’s institutions have resisted transferring him for urgent medical treatment outside prison, leading human rights advocates and activists to suspect political motives behind his dire condition.
The distressing events leading to Professor Mohamed Ziane’s imprisonment unfolded a year ago when over 20 security personnel apprehended him in his Rabat office. The rapid validation of the initial ruling and the immediate issuance of an arrest order by the Rabat Appeal Court have only fueled concerns that this detention might be politically motivated as a form of “retaliation” against Ziane for his outspoken opposition to the government.
Throughout his career, Professor Ziane has earned a reputation for standing firm in support of dissenting voices against the Makhzen, fearlessly using his legal and media platforms to challenge allegations directed at activists, including those involved in the Rif Movement and renowned journalist Toufik Bouachrine. His vocal criticism of the regime’s repressive policies and their contribution to escalating political tensions has made him a formidable adversary.
Adding to the gravity of the situation is Professor Ziane’s battle with spondyloarthritis, a debilitating condition that threatens paralysis and vision loss if not properly treated. Journalist Dounia Filali has become a vocal advocate for his case, demanding an urgent transfer to an external hospital where he can receive the critical medical care that his health urgently requires.
The deteriorating health of a prominent legal figure like Professor Mohamed Ziane raises serious concerns about the treatment of prisoners in Morocco. Denying him access to proper healthcare only deepens suspicions of politically motivated mistreatment, undermining the nation’s commitment to safeguarding human rights and ensuring justice for all.
As the call for Professor Ziane’s transfer to a medical facility gains momentum, human rights advocates and activists urge the Moroccan authorities to act with compassion and adhere to the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
The Moroccan authorities must take immediate action to address the health concerns of Professor Ziane and ensure that he receives the necessary medical attention from qualified professionals in an external medical facility.
Dounia Filali’s courageous efforts to bring attention to the deteriorating health of former minister Mohamed Ziane while in prison shine a spotlight on the urgent need for reform and accountability within Morocco’s justice system. The treatment of prisoners, regardless of their status or political beliefs, must be guided by principles of compassion, dignity, and respect for basic human rights.
