Claude Mangin Faces Deportation at Marrakech Airport
On October 12, 2026, Claude Mangin, the wife of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, was denied entry into Morocco at Marrakech Airport. This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Sahrawi struggle for self-determination, as Mangin sought to visit her husband, who has been imprisoned since 2019 and is a prominent figure in the fight for Sahrawi rights. Her attempt to enter the country was met with immediate refusal, emphasizing the challenges faced by families of political prisoners in the region and the contentious political climate surrounding the Western Sahara issue.
Background on the Sahrawi Struggle
Claude Mangin, who has been an outspoken advocate for her husband's release and the broader cause of the Sahrawi people, expressed her anxiety prior to traveling to Morocco, stating, "I stress because I do not know how the Moroccan authorities will receive me." This statement underscores the fear and uncertainty that the families of political prisoners often experience, particularly in regions marked by political repression. Mangin's experience serves as a reminder of the international spotlight on Morocco regarding its treatment of those advocating for Sahrawi independence, a situation that remains fraught with complexity and tension.
For more details on this developing story, please refer to the original article published by humanite.fr.
