Morocco's Conditions for Repatriation of Deceased Victims
In a significant development regarding the tragic events at the Tarajal pier in Ceuta, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has publicly stated that Morocco will only accept the repatriation of the deceased if Spain agrees to return minors currently in its custody. During an interview with Al Arabiya, Ouahbi insisted that all identified bodies must be repatriated to Morocco under the condition that the minors are also returned. This stance has raised questions about the ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding immigration and the recent tragedy that claimed several lives during a mass entry attempt into Spain.
This week, Morocco rejected the entry of one identified corpse at the border and has also declined to accept six other deceased individuals, further complicating the situation. So far, nine bodies have been identified, yet their repatriation has been stalled, marking an unprecedented refusal by Moroccan authorities to accept deceased individuals from such incidents. Following a series of burials, with multiple bodies interred without identification, Ouahbi's demands come at a time when families are still grappling with their losses.
Excuses and Justifications Amidst Grieving Families
Ouahbi’s insistence on a bilateral agreement that addresses both the living and deceased has been met with skepticism, especially considering that his government played a role in the circumstances that led to the tragic deaths. He stated, "We cannot accept the bodies without knowing their identities. We have requested the return of the living before discussing the dead. We do not separate between the living and the deceased." This statement has been interpreted as an attempt to shift the responsibility for identifying the deceased onto Spain, which has drawn criticism for its handling of the situation.
Moreover, Morocco's failure to establish mechanisms for DNA sampling from families of the missing has only intensified frustrations. Ouahbi attributed this responsibility to Spain, insisting that it must prove the identities of the deceased. He further emphasized that Morocco would not allow the entry of bodies without a comprehensive solution established through an agreed-upon framework with Spanish authorities. This impasse highlights the complex interplay between humanitarian concerns and political negotiations, as families await clarity and closure amidst the backdrop of international legal and diplomatic discussions.
As reported by elfarodeceuta.es.
