María Halak's Plea for Help and the Response from Authorities
María Aguilar Halak, an Argentinian woman who reported being a victim of gender-based violence and fraud while in Morocco, has announced that the Argentinian Embassy is actively involved in her case, ensuring her safe return to her home country. She confirmed that her journey back will commence this Wednesday, bringing a sense of relief to her supporters who have been following her distressing story. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Halak expressed gratitude for the support she has received since going public with her situation, stating, "The embassy is aware of my case, and the repatriation process is underway because a criminal act was committed against me, as defined by Moroccan law."
Halak had previously explained that she traveled to Morocco on the premise of a job opportunity, only to endure severe episodes of gender violence that resulted in physical injuries, alongside being defrauded. Her testimony sparked significant public attention, leading to intervention by Argentinian authorities.
The Impact of Public Exposure and Support
In her latest update, she clarified that the original intent of her video was not to go viral but to inform her close friends and family who were concerned about her well-being. "I created the video solely for my nearest and dearest. Although I feel a bit more at ease now, I am still overwhelmed and extremely fatigued," she shared.
Halak expressed her appreciation for the swift actions taken by the Argentinian Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting that their response was facilitated by the bilateral agreement between Morocco and Argentina regarding cases involving gender-based violence and fraud. She mentioned that the exposure of her story was crucial for prompting the authorities' involvement, although it also brought challenges as her video garnered widespread attention. "I did not expect my video to go viral, and while I received thousands of supportive messages, I was also subjected to insults and aggression on social media," she lamented, expressing her disappointment at the hostility and judgment she faced, particularly regarding her religion and current circumstances.
Despite the public outcry surrounding her case, Halak noted that she had not received any communication from local government officials in Neuquén, her hometown. "What surprises me the most is that the government of my city, officials who know who I am, have not reached out to me," she stated. Nevertheless, she acknowledged the individual support she has received from healthcare professionals, lawyers, psychologists, and many compassionate local residents.
Halak concluded her message by sharing the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on her well-being. "I am struggling to sleep and to live normally, but I am putting forth my best effort and will not give up. I hope that the repatriation process moves forward swiftly so that I can reunite with my family in Argentina. Hopefully, my next video will be from home with my family, my dog, friends, and loved ones. If God wills it, that will be the case," she expressed with hope.
As reported by lmneuquen.com.
