Arbitrary Detention and Solitary Confinement of Mustapha Dihani
On October 21, 2025, Moroccan authorities apprehended Sahrawi activist Mustapha Dihani under dubious terrorism-related charges, subsequently imprisoning him at Salé 2 prison. Reports indicate that during his incarceration, he has been subjected to physical abuse by prison guards and has been denied necessary medical treatment. Since the onset of his detention, Dihani has been confined to solitary confinement, a punitive measure that raises serious human rights concerns. His trial is set for October 15, 2026, yet the circumstances surrounding his detention and treatment remain alarming. It is imperative that Moroccan authorities take immediate action to release Mustapha Dihani, investigate the allegations of mistreatment, and put an end to his solitary confinement while ensuring his health and safety.
Take Action to Support Mustapha Dihani
Activists and concerned citizens are encouraged to voice their support for Mustapha Dihani by writing to Moroccan government officials. In your correspondence, you may address Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch at Palais Royal Touarga, Rabat 10070, Morocco, or via fax at +212 53 7771010. Express your concerns regarding Dihani's arbitrary detention, the unsubstantiated charges against him, and the conditions of his imprisonment, including the prolonged solitary confinement that he has endured. Highlight the reported mistreatment and the urgent need for an independent investigation into his treatment while in custody.
Mustapha Dihani, a skilled web developer and IT specialist, founded the news platform Wesatimes, focusing on Sahrawi rights and political issues in the Western Sahara. His activism has led to significant harassment from Moroccan authorities, prompting his departure from Western Sahara in September 2023. After a series of detentions and legal challenges, he was returned to Morocco, where he now faces serious allegations that stem largely from confessions he has publicly rejected. The legal framework under which he has been charged, particularly Morocco’s counterterrorism Law No. 03-03, has come under fire for lacking adequate safeguards against torture and ill-treatment, and for permitting excessive periods of police custody without access to legal counsel.
Furthermore, Mustapha's treatment in solitary confinement contravenes both Moroccan law and international human rights standards, which stipulate that such measures should be exceptional and time-limited. Despite being held in isolation for over 300 days, no legal justification has been provided for this extended confinement. The alarming conditions under which he is held, including inadequate medical care and psychological distress, highlight the urgent need for immediate intervention.
As reported by amnesty.org.
