ICRC more concerned than ever over long captivity of Moroccan prisoners in Polisario camps
Morocco, Politics, 6/10/2002

The International Committee of the Red Crescent (ICRC) says it "is more concerned than ever at the exceedingly long captivity of Moroccan prisoners" held by the "Polisario."

"Given the prisoners' age and health, and the length and conditions of their captivity, as well as the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law, the ICRC renews its appeal for all prisoners to be released without delay, beginning with the weakest and most elderly."

The call was made after a, ICRC mission, including a medical doctor, a dentist and an ophthalmologist, visited last May 15-28 Moroccan prisoners held by the Polisario Separatists that are claiming the independence of Moroccan southern provinces.

The ICRC mission went to five detention centers near Tindouf (southwestern Algeria), where they talked privately with 768 of the 1,361 prisoners, 32 of them civilians. They were informed of the death of a prisoner, which had occurred since the ICRC had last visited them.

The purpose of the visit was to assess the general captivity conditions of these men and to gauge the effect on their mental health of detention which, for 916 of them, has now lasted more than 20 years.

The ICRC endeavors to maintain contact between the prisoners and their families through Red Cross messages.

During its most recent visit, the delegates delivered 1,179 messages to the prisoners and collected 2,058 from them.

The ophthalmologist performed nine eye operations, delivered 80 pairs of glasses and conducted vision tests which determined that a further 45 pairs were needed.

The dentist fitted 17 prisoners with dentures. In addition, 188 kg of medical supplies were provided.

Previous Stories:
  Canary Islands party criticizes government's policy towards Morocco   (6/8/2002)
  Polisario victims association opens new section in Tangier, Andalusia   (6/1/2002)
  Demonstrations in separatists camps claim return to Morocco   (5/30/2002)

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