Human Rights Concerns for Naâma Asfari
On July 17, 2026, in Berlin, Germany, the European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights (ELDH) voiced significant alarm regarding the deteriorating health of Naâma Asfari, a Sahrawi human rights defender and political prisoner. Asfari's critical condition arises following his initiation of an open-ended hunger strike on June 8, 2026, at Kenitra Prison in Morocco. This drastic measure was taken after he found all legitimate avenues for protest ineffective, particularly in light of the Moroccan prison administration's blatant disregard for his rightful demands.
Call for Immediate Action from Authorities
The ELDH has urgently appealed to Moroccan authorities to facilitate immediate access to independent and adequate medical care for Asfari. Additionally, they request the assurance of his right to communicate with both his family and legal representatives, alongside the allowance for independent oversight of his detention conditions. This situation calls for adherence to the recommendations set forth by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which includes the immediate release of Asfari.
Moreover, the ELDH has called upon various international bodies, including the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to take prompt and decisive action to safeguard Mr. Asfari's fundamental rights and to uphold international human rights standards. The organization's statement underscores that the protection of the life, dignity, and fundamental rights of all detainees is an unwavering obligation, particularly at a time when the integrity of the international legal system hinges on the consistent enforcement of United Nations human rights decisions.
As reported by spsrasd.info.
