Worsening Health Crisis Among Sahrawi Prisoners in Moroccan Jails
The situation regarding the health and humanitarian conditions of Sahrawi political prisoners detained in Moroccan jails has reached a critical level, as reported by the Sahrawi Prisoners Protection Association. Numerous Sahrawi civilian prisoners have been on a hunger strike since September 23, and the association has placed full responsibility for their lives and safety on the Moroccan authorities.
According to a statement released today by the Sahrawi News Agency (WAS), alarming and consistent reports have emerged detailing the deteriorating health conditions of these Sahrawi prisoners amidst ongoing hunger strikes and extremely harsh detention conditions. The association highlighted that the family of prisoner Hassan Dah, who is currently held at "Ben Guerir" prison near Marrakech, received a phone call from him yesterday, wherein he reported that he continues his open-ended hunger strike under dire circumstances, advocating for his legitimate demands.
The family conveyed that Hassan is suffering from severe kidney pain and irregular heartbeat, and he is being isolated in a highly restricted wing with no communication allowed with other inmates. Furthermore, he has been deprived of his personal belongings, including his clothes and blankets.
Similarly, the wife of another Sahrawi prisoner, Lahsen El Zawy, who is imprisoned at "Kenitra" central prison, reported a significant decline in his health due to his hunger strike compounded by severe asthma. In addition, the sister of prisoner Ahmed El Sebai indicated that his health is "extremely deteriorated," as he suffers from heart disease. He remains in solitary confinement, deprived of any means of external communication and has also been stripped of his personal belongings, including clothes, blankets, and books.
In light of these distressing reports, the Sahrawi Prisoners Protection Association has expressed profound concern and holds the Moroccan occupation fully accountable for the lives and safety of all prisoners. They demand an end to the solitary confinement practices against them and call for the restoration of communication rights with their families and legal counsel. The association urges international human rights and humanitarian organizations to intervene urgently to save the lives of these prisoners.
As reported by aps.dz.
