Les prisonniers de « Gdeim Izik » condamnent les campagnes de « répression » et d' »intimidation » de l’occupant marocain contre les militants sahraouis
Summary of the Situation of Sahrawi Political Prisoners
On Wednesday, the Sahrawi political prisoners affiliated with the "Gdeim Izik" group condemned the ongoing repression and intimidation campaigns carried out by the Moroccan authorities against human rights defenders and activists advocating for the Sahrawi cause. Through a statement, these prisoners called for the international community to expand the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to include human rights monitoring in the occupied territories.
In their declaration, the Gdeim Izik prisoners denounced all forms of violence and intimidation used by the Moroccan occupiers against the Sahrawi people. They highlighted physical violence and the enforced siege on the homes of Sahrawi activists, emphasizing that such oppressive practices aim to silence dissent, maintain the status quo, undermine the people’s right to freedom and dignity, and perpetuate the occupation.
Expressing solidarity with human rights activists and Sahrawi resistors who strive for self-determination rights, the prisoners reiterated their call for international protection against Moroccan oppression. They demanded that the international community act to safeguard the Sahrawi people’s rights to freedom, independence, and self-determination and insisted that MINURSO’s mandate must be broadened to address the grave human rights violations occurring in the occupied regions.
The prisoners took a moment to honor their fellow fighters who have, despite enduring significant sacrifices and hardships for over fifty years, remained steadfast in their belief that continuing to fight for their rights is the only path towards their ultimate goal. They drew strength from one another’s resilience to resist the coercive measures imposed on them while incarcerated under Moroccan authority.
In their statement, the Gdeim Izik political prisoners urged the United Nations to exert pressure on Morocco to cease its occupation of Western Sahara, aligning the actions of Moroccan authorities with international law and respecting Sahrawi self-determination rights. This appeal coincided with the recent condemnation from the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, which firmly opposed the continued harassment, surveillance, and restriction faced by human rights activists in Western Sahara. The Observatory urged Moroccan authorities to end their oppressive practices and allow for a free and fair environment for human rights advocacy.
In summary, the Gdeim Izik political prisoners’ statement underscores the urgent need for international attention to the violations occurring in Western Sahara, emphasizing the importance of expanding MINURSO’s mandate for human rights monitoring and advocating for the Sahrawi people’s freedom and self-determination. The ongoing repression faced by Sahrawi activists highlights a broader struggle against colonialism and the fight for dignity and rights, creating a dialogue that resonates beyond the confines of the region.
The call to action from the Gdeim Izik prisoners and various human rights organizations places an emphasis on international responsibility, urging a collective mobilization to address the injustices faced by the Sahrawi people at the hands of Moroccan authorities. The challenges and resistance narratives articulated by these prisoners reflect a deep-rooted commitment to the pursuit of justice, freedom, and human rights in the context of occupation.
