Brussels, Belgium – On June 1, 2026, the European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights issued a strong condemnation regarding the severe violations inflicted upon Sahrawi human rights defenders by the Moroccan occupation authorities in the disputed region of Western Sahara. This statement of solidarity particularly highlighted the ongoing hardships faced by Ali Salem Tamek, the President of the Sahrawi Collective of Human Rights Defenders in Western Sahara (CODESA), and his fellow activists, who have been enduring significant abuses under the Moroccan regime.
The Association articulated its alarm over the escalating use of isolation tactics and restrictions on the freedom of movement, which appear to be strategically aimed at thwarting acts of solidarity, hindering the monitoring of human rights conditions, and punishing those who advocate for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. Such measures not only curtail individual freedoms but also contribute to a broader climate of suppression against dissenting voices.
Furthermore, the Association raised serious concerns regarding the reports of a de facto siege imposed by the occupation authorities on the residence of Sahrawi human rights defender Hussein Mjahid, located in the occupied city of El Aaiún. Since the evening of May 19, Mjahid's home has been under strict surveillance, with the authorities preventing human rights defenders and their family members from entering and cutting off electricity supply, thereby exacerbating the already tense situation.
In light of these developments, the Association underscored the persistent restrictions that CODESA members face regarding their rights to peaceful assembly, alongside ongoing harassment. Specific mention was made of CODESA Vice-President Khadijetou El Dweihi, who is reportedly subjected to constant surveillance and intimidation in her neighborhood. This troubling scenario underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders in Western Sahara.
As reported by spsrasd.info.
