In a significant appeal, Jean-Paul Lecoq, a French Member of Parliament, has urged Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to raise the pressing issue of Sahrawi political prisoners with Moroccan officials during his upcoming visit to Morocco on July 15 and 16, 2026. In a letter dated July 10, Lecoq highlighted that this visit marks the Prime Minister's inaugural official trip abroad, presenting a pivotal opportunity to advocate for the adherence to human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the principles of international law.
Lecoq emphasized that Morocco currently detains numerous political prisoners, including Sahrawi activists who are staunch proponents of the right to self-determination. He specifically referenced the Gdeim Izik group, which has been a focal point of international concern, particularly noting that several of these prisoners have been subjected to confessions allegedly extracted under torture, as recognized by the United Nations Committee against Torture.
Particularly alarming is the situation of Naâma Asfari, a prominent member of the Gdeim Izik group, who has been engaged in a hunger strike since June 8. This act of protest aims to compel the Moroccan authorities to adhere to the recommendations set forth in Opinion No. 23/2023 by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. This opinion advocates for the release of the Sahrawi prisoners who have been incarcerated since 2010 and suggests their transfer to El Aaiún prison to facilitate closer family connections and easier visitation.
In his correspondence, Lecoq urged Prime Minister Lecornu to take a firm stand during his visit in favor of implementing the United Nations Working Group's recommendations regarding these prisoners. He also reiterated his opposition to France's controversial recognition of Morocco's asserted sovereignty over Western Sahara, a stance declared in 2024, asserting that such recognition is fundamentally at odds with international law.
As reported by spsrasd.info.
