Les autorités marocaines retiennent les membres de « la marche de la liberté » avant leur rapatriement vers l’Espagne
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Tanger, Morocco – On Saturday, Moroccan authorities detained members of the "March for Freedom," led by human rights activist Claude Mangin, as they attempted to travel by ferry to Kénitra prison. This action was part of a campaign to demand the release of Sahrawi political prisoners held in Moroccan jails.
In a press statement, Mangin reported that her delegation was expected to arrive in Algésiras, Spain, later that evening after authorities denied them permission to continue their march toward the prison. The activists intended to highlight the plight of Sahrawi prisoners and advocate for their release, which they viewed as unjust.
Mangin pointed out that the Moroccan authorities did not provide any documentation regarding their repatriation, failing to explain the rationale behind this decision, which is typically standard practice. The delegation was not allowed to disembark the ferry until it returned to Algésiras, indicating a lack of transparency in the authorities’ actions.
The detainment of the delegation was conducted by plainclothes Moroccan police in the presence of elected officials from France and Spain. These officials witnessed the incident and took photographs of the significant police presence aboard the ferry. Reports from Sahrawi media suggested that the delegation faced abusive treatment at the hands of Moroccan police.
The "March for Freedom" commenced on March 30 in Ivry, France, and has since made stops in various French and Spanish cities, all aimed at reaching Kénitra to advocate for the release of what they consider unjustly detained political prisoners.
Mangin initiated this march to visit her husband, Naama Asfari, who has been imprisoned since 2010 in Kénitra. She hopes to raise public awareness regarding human rights issues in the occupied Western Sahara.
The broader context of this march speaks volumes about the ongoing tensions surrounding the Western Sahara conflict, a disputed territory that has been a focal point of human rights concerns. The Moroccan government promulgates its sovereignty over the region and has faced international criticism for its treatment of Sahrawis. Activists like Mangin aim to counter these narratives by drawing attention to the human rights violations that they assert are systemic within Morocco’s handling of Sahrawi issues.
The events of Saturday underline the difficulties activists face as they seek to bring global attention to their cause. Many incidents of detention, harassment, and restriction of movement have been reported by those advocating for Sahrawi rights. Mangin’s campaign has ensued amidst a climate where dissent is often met with hostility.
The march has also garnered support from various European civil society groups who view the Sahrawi cause as part of a broader struggle for self-determination and human rights. Solidarity actions have taken place in several European cities, highlighting the international dimension of the Sahrawi issue.
Maritime transport has been a significant aspect of the journey, symbolizing both a physical and metaphorical bridge for the activists between Europe and the territories they are advocating for. The choice of a ferry reflects the aspiration to create a direct connection between different regions while emphasizing a peaceful approach to their demands.
The detained activists and their supporters remain resolute, aware that the march itself has sparked dialogues around human rights and the necessity for political change concerning the Sahrawi situation. Mangin’s efforts, particularly her personal connection to the cause through her husband’s imprisonment, add an emotional weight that resonates with the public and media.
Claude Mangin has garnered significant attention for her persistence in advocating for her husband and other political prisoners. Her resolve emphasizes not just a personal narrative, but also a collective struggle that resonates with many other families affected by the conflict. Human rights groups have frequently cited the plight of political prisoners in Morocco and the lack of due process in legal proceedings against them.
Continued efforts to capture international attention pose both risks and opportunities for the activists. With the media spotlight and growing international concern, there exists the potential to influence policy change, not just at the Moroccan government level but also within European Union discussions regarding relations with Morocco.
In summary, the events unfold as a testimony to the enduring struggle for freedom and human rights in the context of the Western Sahara conflict. The systemic challenges faced by activists like Claude Mangin only underscore the need for ongoing advocacy, international solidarity, and ultimately, a resolution that addresses the needs and rights of the Sahrawi people. As the march continues to evolve, it serves as a reminder of the resilience of those who fight against injustice, seeking recognition and change through peaceful means.
