Struggles for Justice, Persecution, and Media Silence: Dounia Filali and her Husband Speak Out
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria- In a gripping and exclusive interview with the Russian news website Pravda.Ru, Dounia Filali and her husband Adnane Filali, Moroccan dissidents who have sought refuge in France, share their harrowing experiences of persecution, injustice, and media silence. This candid conversation with the couple provides a deep insight into their ongoing ordeal, their fight for justice and human rights, and the disturbing connection between France and Morocco in their case.
The European Parliament’s Intervention
At the outset, the interviewer asked about the recent statement issued by the European Parliament concerning France and Morocco’s involvement in their case. Dounia Filali and her husband expressed their gratitude to MEP Miguel Urbán Crespo, who initiated this vital intervention. They also acknowledged the support of 10 MEPs from six countries (Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and Turkey) who signed a manifesto of support and warning regarding their situation. The couple explained that this statement highlights their relentless persecution by the French state for the past two years, jeopardizing French, European, and international law to appease the Moroccan regime.
For more details, readers are encouraged to read the declaration of the European Parliamentarians and an investigation into their persecution: https://urlz.fr/n2I3
Defenders of Human Rights in France
As defenders of human rights and democracy, Dounia Filali and her husband have faced unimaginable challenges in France. They lamented that in a country that claims to be democratic and a member of the European Union, their rights as political refugees have been systematically denied. They believe that human rights in France are only respected for select groups of the population, and the lack of a genuine separation of power is a concerning sign for democracy.
Moreover, they spoke of the subtle form of censorship in France, where individuals can express themselves but risk social and media isolation if they challenge certain narratives, particularly those related to the Moroccan regime.
Media Silence in France
When questioned about the conspicuous absence of their story in the French media, despite its international importance, Dounia Filali and her husband pointed to a disturbing connection between certain media outlets and the interests of France and Morocco. They believe that subsidies and funds from the state, as well as powerful lobbies in France close to the Moroccan regime, have influenced media silence. The couple shared confidential state documents that expose high-ranking French officials’ involvement in their persecution and powerful lobbies’ connections to the Moroccan regime.
Press Independence in France
Commenting on the state of press independence in France, Dounia Filali and her husband argued that it is far from ideal. They cited the reluctance of certain media to address sensitive subjects, such as the relationship between Morocco and France, and the presence of powerful lobbyists in France that seem to intimidate journalists. The influence of the state and directives imposed by a handful of billionaires who control most media outlets in France were also mentioned as factors that limit editorial freedom.
Safety Concerns in France
Concerns for their safety in France are palpable. Dounia Filali and her husband revealed that Moroccan agents operate freely on French soil, and the French state has failed to protect them. They experience constant surveillance and intimidation and have been denied basic rights despite their international refugee status granted by the UNHCR. They fear that their situation may deteriorate further, echoing the fate of Moroccan dissident Mehdi ben Barka, who was assassinated.
Role of Human Rights Organizations
The couple described their current situation as “hellish” and expressed disappointment with the limited support from associations and organizations in France. While some, like ASDHOM and Human Rights Watch, have voiced their support, they believe that many NGOs shy away from addressing issues involving European countries like France. They emphasized the need for solidarity and called for a more principled stance by human rights organizations.
Human Rights Situation in Morocco and Western Sahara
When asked about the human rights situation in Morocco and Western Sahara, Dounia Filali and her husband painted a bleak picture. They decried a regime that imprisons dissenting voices, hands down inhumane sentences to political prisoners, and employs brutal tactics, including torture and rape, in prisons. The couple also highlighted issues such as limited access to healthcare, lack of housing for the poor, low literacy rates, and the alarming prevalence of child prostitution, which they attribute to the oppressive regime’s mismanagement and exploitation.
Final Thoughts
In a parting message, Dounia Filali and her husband extended their thoughts to political prisoners and their families, as well as the Moroccan and Sahrawi people suffering under oppressive regimes. They stressed the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the human rights crisis in Morocco and Western Sahara. Their courageous fight for justice and truth continues, despite the countless obstacles they face in France.
As the interview concluded, it was clear that the struggle of Dounia Filali and her husband symbolizes the larger issues of media silence, press freedom, and human rights violations not only in Morocco but also in France, raising important questions about the state of democracy and justice in both countries.
