Nador/Melilla Drama: Spanish NGOs Call for Investigation
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- A group of Spanish NGOs and human rights associations have filed a complaint demanding an in-depth investigation into the tragic events that unfolded on June 24, 2022, in which at least 37 migrants were brutally killed by Moroccan police. The organizations, including Coordinadora de Barrios, Ca-Minando Fronteras, Association of Foreigners in Network, Association for Human Rights of Spain, and Lab 38, issued a joint press release expressing their strong opposition to the conclusions drawn by the state attorney general’s office and calling for justice and reparation for the victims and their families.
In the press release, the Spanish NGOs and associations argued that the initial investigation conducted by the prosecution was inadequate and failed to uncover the truth surrounding the grave human rights violations that occurred that day. They contend that the investigation did not adhere to the principles of justice, truth, and reparation that the victims and their families are entitled to. Consequently, they have turned to the investigative court of the Spanish enclave of Melilla to initiate a comprehensive and meticulous inquiry.
Human rights activist Helena Maleno, the founder of the Ca-Minando Fronteras collective, emphasized that this complaint represents the survivors, victims, and their families’ last resort to seek truth, justice, and reparation. She asserted that their voices and testimonies must be heard and that their rights should be safeguarded in accordance with the appropriate standards of protection and safety.
Sonia Ros, the spokesperson for the association Lab 38, echoed these sentiments, stating that the objective of this legal action is to rectify the wrongdoing committed by the office of the Attorney General of the State. She expressed full confidence in the judicial system to deliver a fair verdict and restore the victims’ rights. Ms. Ros emphasized that an independent and impartial investigation must be carried out, and those responsible for the tragic incident should be identified. She further stressed that the Spanish State has obligations regarding the respect for human rights, which it must fulfill.
The incident in question occurred when nearly 2,000 sub-Saharan migrants attempted to cross the border between Nador in Morocco and Melilla in Spain. The migrants were subjected to brutal treatment by the Moroccan police, resulting in the loss of at least 37 lives, as reported by Moroccan human rights organizations.
The demand for an extensive investigation by the Spanish NGOs and human rights associations serves as a reminder that accountability and respect for human rights must be upheld even in complex situations involving migration and border control. The pursuit of justice and the uncovering of truth are essential for healing, reconciliation, and preventing similar incidents from happening in the future. It is hoped that the investigative court will heed the call for a thorough examination of the events and provide the necessary closure and redress for the victims and their families.
