Morocco criticised for growing levels of violence

Update 13.05.11: Mustapha Abdaiem has been located in Sale prison. He is thought to be deprived of his medication (he is diabetic and has blood pressure problems) and the majority of his clothes. The exact conditions he is being held in are unknown as he is being held in solitary confinement and was allowed only a 10 minute visit by his sisters. Concerns have been raised for Saharawi journalist Mustapha Abdaiem after he and fellow prisoner  Mahmoud Abou Alqasem were reportedly removed from Tiznit prison on Saturday June 4th and taken to an unknown location. Abdaiem’s family fear for his safety.

Published: 05.06 - 2011 16:18Printer version

Abdaiem has been in prison since 2008 after supporting Saharawi demonstrations in favour of self-determination and speaking out about the occupation.  The journalist who is also Secretary General of the Saharawi Committee for the Defence of Human Rights in Zag seemed to anticipate these events, reportedly telling colleagues from the Saharawi Journalists’ and Writers’ Union (UPES) on Thursday that he feared reprisals from the Moroccan authorities after his writings were published on the organisation’s website. In a statement UPES said it is “deeply concerned about the fate and physical and moral safety of Mr. Abdaiem” and calls for international support to ensure his safety. Morocco has faced strong criticism by Amnesty international this  week for what the organisation describes as a “draconian response to people merely exercising their right to freedom of expression and assembly “. Recent weeks have seen disproportionate levels of violence used by Moroccan security forces  against protestors in cities across Morocco. On Thursday a 30 year old protestor Kamel Ammari died as a result of severe beating. Amnesty International issued the following URGENT ACTION in response to the violence. See below for a report of other recent violence against the family of murdered Saharawi Said Dambar.

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