Adala UK, a British human rights organisation, is concerned by reports regarding the assault of Sahrawi YouTuber and social media activist Salama El Dah, following testimony provided directly to the organisation concerning events that he states took place shortly after midnight on 17 July 2026 in occupied Laayoune, Western Sahara.

According to information received by Adala UK, Mr El Dah stated that he was approached by individuals whom he identified as members of the Moroccan security forces. He reported that he was subjected to physical assault, verbal abuse and threats, and that his mobile phone was damaged during the incident. Mr El Dah believes that the incident was connected to his peaceful online activities, through which he documents events and developments in Western Sahara.

Born in 2001 in Laayoune, Mr El Dah is known for producing content on YouTube and other social media platforms, where he shares information concerning developments in Western Sahara and discusses issues affecting Sahrawi civilians. Adala UK understands that his activities have been conducted through peaceful means and fall within the exercise of his right to freedom of expression.

In his statement to Adala UK, Mr El Dah said that several security officers approached him during the night. He identified one of those involved as Mohsen Serghouli, reportedly known by the nickname “The American.”

Describing the incident, he stated:

“They got out of the vehicle and immediately started beating me on my head and face. One of the officers took my mobile phone and repeatedly struck my face and head with it.”

According to his account, Mr El Dah sustained injuries to his forehead, eye, lower jaw and back. He further stated that his mobile phone was damaged during the incident, resulting in the loss of material relating to his online activities.

Adala UK recalls that freedom of expression is a fundamental right protected under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These provisions protect the right of individuals to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media. Such protection applies to journalists, content creators, YouTubers, bloggers, citizen journalists and others who exercise this right peacefully.

The organisation further recalls that torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are prohibited under international law, including Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 7 of the ICCPR, and the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Where credible allegations arise, States have an obligation to ensure that investigations are prompt, independent, impartial and effective.

Adala UK notes that Western Sahara remains listed by the United Nations as a Non-Self-Governing Territory, and that its final status remains subject to the United Nations-led political process. The organisation recalls that the people of Western Sahara have a recognised right to self-determination under international law, including through Article 1(2) of the Charter of the United Nations and Common Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which affirm that all peoples have the right to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

Adala UK further notes that the right to self-determination has been reaffirmed through numerous United Nations resolutions concerning Western Sahara. The organisation considers that respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and the ability of individuals to participate in public debate, remains essential in any context where questions concerning self-determination and political status are under consideration.

Without prejudice to differing legal positions regarding the status of the territory, Adala UK emphasises that all individuals in Western Sahara are entitled to the protection of international human rights law. Where applicable, international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, provides additional protections for civilians against violence, intimidation and ill-treatment.

Adala UK notes that the Moroccan authorities have stated that an official investigation has been opened into the incident, that Mr El Dah has been interviewed, and that enquiries remain ongoing. The organisation welcomes the opening of an investigation and stresses that it should be conducted in a manner consistent with international standards, including independence, impartiality, transparency and effectiveness.

The organisation encourages the Moroccan authorities to ensure that all relevant evidence is preserved, that appropriate medical and forensic examinations are carried out, that witnesses are interviewed where necessary, and that the investigation is capable of establishing the facts and ensuring accountability where wrongdoing is identified.

Adala UK calls upon His Majesty’s Government, the United Nations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the African Union, and relevant United Nations Special Rapporteursto continue monitoring the human rights situation in Western Sahara and to follow this case closely.

The organisation further encourages all relevant authorities to ensure that individuals are able to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and access to information without fear of intimidation or violence, and that the internationally recognised right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination is respected in accordance with international law.

Adala UK will continue to monitor developments in this case. Ensuring accountability for alleged human rights violations, protecting freedom of expression, and upholding internationally recognised human rights principles remain essential elements of the rule of law.

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