Significant Developments at the Morocco-Algeria Border
On Monday, the Algerian authorities facilitated the transfer of a new batch of Moroccan youths through the Colonel Lotfi 'Zouj Bghal' border crossing. This latest group comprises 21 male migrants who had either been seeking to migrate or were residing illegally within Algerian territory. The Moroccan Association for the Assistance of Migrants in Distress reported that most of these individuals had completed their sentences as per Algerian Law No. 08/11, which governs the entry and residence of foreigners in Algeria.
According to a statement from the association, this recent transfer marks the seventh occurrence since the beginning of the current year, with the majority of the migrants hailing from various Moroccan cities, including Oujda, Taza, Errachidia, Berkane, Fes, Essaouira, Kelaa, Casablanca, and El Jadida. The association has dedicated significant efforts over the past three months to monitor the situations of many of those released, as well as to assist families in sending official documents to verify identities, emphasizing that this issue remains a priority for them.
Upon their arrival, these individuals were greeted by their families near the border center, while the association continues to closely follow these cases. Furthermore, the organization is currently tracking over 500 cases, including more than 100 that are in the process of deportation. These cases vary among detainees, prisoners, or individuals placed under administrative detention, all awaiting the completion of necessary legal procedures for their return.
The association underscored that it receives new files daily concerning prisoners and missing persons, including cases of individuals who have received preliminary sentences exceeding 10 years. In this context, they reiterated their commitment to continue monitoring these files and intensifying efforts to locate missing persons in Algerian, Tunisian, and Libyan territories, addressing families' rights to know the fate of their loved ones and to seek the truth.
In conclusion, the Moroccan Association for the Assistance of Migrants in Distress reiterated its call to the Algerian authorities, based on international law and humanitarian principles, urging the handover of the remains of deceased individuals currently held in mortuaries in Tlemcen, Oran, and Béchar (a total of six bodies), so that their families can receive them for burial and mourning ceremonies.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
