UN Calls for Release of Sahrawi Political Prisoners by Morocco: A Setback for the Kingdom
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a significant blow to Morocco’s human rights record, the United Nations has issued a damning report urging the immediate release of Sahrawi political prisoners from Gdeim Izik. The decision has been hailed as a “great victory” by French human rights activist Claude Mangin. While welcoming the UN’s stance, Mangin emphasized the need for international action to exert pressure on Morocco to comply with the directive.
Exposing Arbitrary Detention
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s report sheds light on severe human rights violations committed by Morocco against Sahrawi political prisoners from Gdeim Izik. Evident breaches include denying access to legal representation, extracting confessions through torture, and the lack of impartiality and independence within the Moroccan justice system.
Since their arrest in 2010 following a peaceful protest at Gdeim Izik, activists from Gdeim Izik have been subjected to arbitrary detention in Morocco. Their inhumane treatment in occupation prisons has garnered international condemnation.
A Setback for Morocco
Claude Mangin, spouse of Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, underscored that the UN’s decision challenges Morocco’s propaganda, which attempts to portray the kingdom positively through blatant lies. She stated, “The UN Working Group’s decision once again shows how Morocco falls short of its discourse and intention to present a positive image of itself.”
This fresh condemnation by the UN is a blow to Morocco’s attempts to project a façade of respect for human rights. Human rights violations against Sahrawi political prisoners are widely known, and this decision strengthens the call for justice.
Call for International Action
Claude Mangin urged countries signatory to international human rights conventions to pressurize Morocco to release all Sahrawi political prisoners held for many years. She expressed hope that the UN’s decision would finally pave the way for the freedom of Sahrawi political prisoners.
This call for international action is crucial, emphasizing that the international community cannot remain silent in the face of blatant human rights violations. Signatory countries have a moral and legal responsibility to uphold these agreements, and the release of Sahrawi political prisoners must be a priority.
Resilience of Sahrawi Political Prisoners
Despite enduring harsh conditions, Sahrawi political prisoners have shown remarkable resilience. They have endured the lack of medical care resulting from the physical and psychological effects of torture.
Claude Mangin herself has been a victim of Morocco’s colonial vengeance, being denied the right to visit Morocco for seven years. This punitive measure highlights Morocco’s readiness to go to great lengths to hide the truth and suppress any voice advocating for human rights.
The UN report demanding the immediate release of Sahrawi political prisoners by Morocco is a crucial step towards justice and the acknowledgment of human rights. This decision highlights the serious violations committed by Morocco and serves as a setback for the kingdom’s attempts to present a façade of respect for human rights.
Human rights activist Claude Mangin emphasized the importance of international action to pressure Morocco to comply with the directive. Signatory countries to international human rights conventions have a responsibility to ensure justice is served for Sahrawi political prisoners enduring arbitrary detention for too long.
While the resilience of Sahrawi political prisoners continues to shine despite challenging conditions, it is time for the international community to take concrete steps to end this injustice and allow the prisoners to regain their freedom.
