In the tumultuous period from 24 February to 1 March 2025, the Moroccan authorities launched a series of harsh attacks against Sahrawi human rights defenders in Laayoune. These acts not only undermined their physical and psychological integrity but also egregiously violated their right to peaceful assembly. The pinnacle of this violence transpired on 25 February during a peaceful protest where human rights advocates, including the President of the Sahrawi Association for Victims of Grave Human Rights Violations, Bachri Ben Taleb, were brutally dispersed.
The protest aimed to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the Sahrawi Republic’s proclamation, advocate for the release of political prisoners, and contest the presence of high-profile French officials in occupied Western Sahara. However, at around 6 pm, plainclothes security forces recognised for their violent tactics unleashed excessive force on the peaceful demonstrators. This included prominent defenders like Sidi Mohamed Dadach, Abdelkarim Mbrikette, and Fatimatu Hairash, who faced brutal assaults shortly after the protest began.
Prior to the gathering, Moroccan authorities enforced tight restrictions—cordoning off areas, blocking access routes, and conducting surveillance on the defenders’ homes. Individuals such as Lahcen Dalil and Maryam Dambri endured ongoing harassment and violence, designed to deter their participation. Reports indicate that the harassment persisted even after the protest, with defenders unable to visit their assaulted peers due to ongoing limitations on their movement.
On 27 February, a violent attack occurred at the home of human rights defender Ali Salem Tamek, where police officers attempted a break-in and jeopardised the security of his household. The power cuts that followed were evidently orchestrated to obscure the violators’ actions, as documented by surveillance footage. Tamek’s home, serving as a headquarters for the Sahrawi collective, was targeted again later, with perpetrators destroying and seizing video equipment to erase evidence.
Front Line Defenders has voiced strong solidarity with the beleaguered Sahrawi human rights defenders, denouncing the ongoing harassment and affirming that such actions serve to intimidate them for their peaceful advocacy. They urge Moroccan authorities to cease these human rights violations and uphold the defenders’ right to peaceful protest, demanding a thorough investigation into the violence that transpired during the protests, holding accountable those responsible for the attacks.
Furthermore, they remind local authorities of their obligations under international law to guarantee the protection of human rights defenders in Western Sahara, while imploring the international community to uphold these standards and raise awareness regarding the plight of the Sahrawi.
The Moroccan authorities executed numerous attacks on Sahrawi human rights defenders from 24 February to 1 March 2025, particularly during a peaceful protest on 25 February. The demonstrators aimed to mark the Republic’s anniversary and release political prisoners but faced violent dispersal by security forces. Ongoing intimidation and restrictions ensued, leading to critical calls for accountability and respect for human rights from organisations like Front Line Defenders.
In summary, the recent attacks against Sahrawi human rights defenders by Moroccan authorities epitomise a troubling disregard for peaceful assembly and human rights. With violent dispersal tactics and continued harassment marking this period, the call for immediate accountability and respect for human rights remains urgent. International bodies and local authorities alike are reminded of their responsibility to safeguard defenders and uphold the principles of self-determination.
Original Source: www.frontlinedefenders.org
