Marrakech Airport Denies Entry to Claude Mangin, Wife of Imprisoned Activist
In a recent development, the Moroccan authorities have barred Claude Mangin, the wife of imprisoned activist Niama Asfari, from entering the country upon her arrival at Marrakech Airport. She was not allowed to exit the arrival area, effectively halting her journey to her intended destination. This incident occurred amidst her planned visit to the local prison in Kenitra, where Asfari is serving a 30-year sentence following his conviction related to the events of the "Ait Izik" camp in Laayoune. These events led to the tragic deaths of 11 Moroccan law enforcement personnel during the camp's dismantling.
Accompanying Mangin on this trip were Philippe Bousso, the mayor of Évry-sur-Seine and a member of the French Communist Party, along with Claire Delmotte, an aide in his office. Despite Mangin being denied entry, her companions were permitted to continue their stay in Morocco, highlighting a rather selective enforcement of the entry ban. This incident raises significant questions regarding the political and human rights implications surrounding Asfari’s imprisonment, which remains a contentious issue in Morocco, attracting criticism from various human rights organizations and political entities.
Niama Asfari's case has been a focal point of ongoing debates regarding the treatment of political prisoners in Morocco, with many advocating for a review of his sentence and the circumstances surrounding it. The incident involving Mangin not only illustrates the complexities of international relations but also underscores the ongoing tensions between Morocco and those who challenge its judicial processes. As reported by maghrebtimes.ma.
