Brutal repression of Saharawis by Morocco on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
On 26th June, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Morocco again violated the Saharawi citizens’ rights to peaceful demonstrations.
Uniformed and plain clothes Moroccan police and auxiliary forces again brutally attacked peaceful demonstrators in El Aiun and other cities in the occupied territories of Western Sahara. This contravenes the promises the Moroccan government made to the United Nations Security Council last April, saying that they would respect human rights in Western Sahara.
The incidences occurred whilst the Saharawi population was out in the streets, celebrating the Algerian team’s world cup victory against Russia (Algeria is the only Arab country participating in the world cup).
According to eye witnesses, Saharawis were attacked with batons and stones. Stones were also thrown at people’s houses. Adala UK has collected many accounts of how excessive force was used against demonstrators. Amongst the people injured in the protests was Adala UK member Salha Boutanguiza.
We urge the Moroccoan authorities to carry out an immediate investigation of these incidences of excessive force and to bring those responsible to justice.