Violence against peaceful protestors
On 22nd June 2014, members of Adala UK, based in Western Sahara, witnessed acts of violence committed by Moroccan police officers and plain clothes members of security agencies against Saharawi protestors in different areas of El Aiun. This included the use of stones and batons. Moroccan forces blocked access to the city centre and cut off the electricity supply to some neighbourhoods.
Adala UK members sought refuge in the house of a Saharawi family for two hours as they were unable to leave the area because of the police blockade in the surrounding streets.
Sources at the hospital and other eye witnesses reported to Adala UK that several injured people, amongst them minors, had been denied medical attention.
Adala UK urges the Moroccan authorities:
· Not to deny urgently needed medical attention to the victims of violent attacks
· To immediately stop its security forces from using violence against peaceful protesters