A 30-year-old Moroccan man, who crossed into Ceuta during the mass migrations on July 30 and 31, has come forward with harrowing allegations against members of the Spanish military. He claims that he was abducted and subjected to hours of torture, which included threats of rape and murder. This alarming incident has drawn attention and concern from human rights organizations.
The Nador branch of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights has brought this case to light, sharing the victim's testimony alongside a video that showcases the bruises and various injuries he reportedly suffered during the ordeal. Additionally, Yabiladi has received an audio recording where the man recounts the details of the alleged assault, amplifying the gravity of his claims.
Omar Naji, a representative from the association's Nador branch, emphasized that this incident is not an isolated occurrence. He stated that the organization has received numerous similar testimonies and complaints, indicating a troubling pattern of abuse. Following the incident, the victim was able to report the assault at a police station in Ceuta, where his statement was officially recorded. The association has also reached out to a lawyer in Ceuta to initiate legal action against the individuals implicated in this case.
Naji described the situation as "very serious," highlighting that the number of complaints they have received suggests a systemic issue. He stated, "This is not limited to a single case. We are dealing with numerous complaints and testimonies that have been brought to us. Given their number, we are considering filing a collective complaint." He also pointed out that many other victims have faced challenges in identifying their attackers due to their masked appearances, complicating efforts to hold them accountable.
The young man, after receiving medical attention from friends who took him to a hospital, managed to acquire medical certificates documenting his injuries. Additionally, he was able to note the registration number of the military vehicle in which he was allegedly transported during the assault.
Details of the Assault: Beatings, Burns, and Death Threats
In the audio recording acquired by Yabiladi, the victim described how the incident unfolded on September 12 at approximately 8 p.m. He recounted being stopped by soldiers on a public street who demanded that he accompany them elsewhere under the pretense of wanting to speak with him. When he declined and requested to converse in the open, four men reportedly overpowered him, forced him to the ground, and transported him to a secluded area devoid of bystanders.
"They beat me relentlessly and did not leave a single part of my body untouched. They assaulted me in every sense of the word," he described, detailing a two-hour ordeal. During this time, he was struck on various parts of his body and threatened with further violence. One of the assailants allegedly suggested taking him to a forest for rape while another threatened his life, declaring intentions to kill him and bury him in an undisclosed location.
The young man further alleged that one of his attackers burned him multiple times with a cigarette and even inscribed derogatory phrases about King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on his forehead, coercing him to repeat these statements under duress. Each time he resisted, he faced violent repercussions.
Before his release, the assailants purportedly threatened him with death if he were to disclose their identities or speak about the incident. They claimed they could locate him even back in Morocco and had the means to enlist drug traffickers to carry out their threats.
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights is gearing up to take legal action in collaboration with a lawyer in Ceuta. Due to the alarming number of similar testimonies received, the organization is contemplating the possibility of filing a collective complaint to address this growing concern.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
