Morocco Addressing International Concerns Regarding Naama Asfari
In a noteworthy response to the international mobilization advocating for the release of Naama Asfari, a Sahrawi activist imprisoned in Kénitra, Morocco's General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) has provided detailed insights into Asfari's health status. Asfari has been in prison for 30 years due to his involvement in the Gdim Izik case, which resulted in the deaths of eleven law enforcement officers during their duties. According to the DGAPR, Asfari has been under regular medical supervision since he commenced a hunger strike on June 8, a claim that has been widely reported in Spanish media outlets.
In a recent statement, the DGAPR emphasized that Asfari has been strictly monitored medically, particularly during his hunger strike. Initially, he was placed under a medical protocol designed for inmates on hunger strikes. Vital signs were consistently checked until July 13, after which he reportedly declined further examinations. Nevertheless, the DGAPR assured that he continues to receive medical attention both inside and outside of prison, and has even been administered vitamin supplements during his protest.
Moreover, the DGAPR disclosed that Asfari was transferred to a hospital on July 15, where tests revealed he was suffering from potassium deficiency. Subsequently, he was treated with intravenous fluids and potassium supplements. After initially refusing another hospital transfer on July 15, Asfari eventually agreed to go on July 22, where he underwent several medical evaluations, including an electrocardiogram and chest X-ray, all of which indicated that his condition was stable before he returned to prison.
Polisario's International Advocacy and UN Involvement
This information comes at a time when the Polisario Front and its supporters are intensifying their efforts to secure Naama Asfari's release, particularly in Spain and France, as well as through the United Nations. On July 13, the left-wing coalition Sumar in Spain introduced a non-binding proposal in the lower house of Parliament, urging the Spanish government to call for Asfari's "immediate and unconditional" release. In France, Communist Deputy Jean-Paul Lecoq has appealed to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to advocate for Asfari's freedom, while the Communist Mayor of Ivry-sur-Seine has reached out to President Emmanuel Macron for similar support.
Notably, Naama Asfari is married to French national Claude Mangin, a long-time activist advocating for the rights of Sahrawi prisoners. She was instrumental in organizing a caravan that commenced on March 30, 2025, from Ivry-sur-Seine to Kénitra to demand the release of Sahrawi prisoners. The Polisario Front has even escalated the matter to the UN Security Council, addressing a letter to its president seeking intervention on behalf of Asfari, with the Democratic Republic of Congo currently holding the Council's rotating presidency.
The situation surrounding Naama Asfari is part of a broader international campaign that has also highlighted other cases, including those of Sultana Khaya and Aminatou Haidar, further emphasizing the ongoing concern regarding human rights in the region.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
