Amnesty International calls for release of Moroccans held by Polisario
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 5/26/2005

Amnesty International called on, here Wednesday, for the immediate release of the Moroccans detained by the "Polisario" Front in Tindouf camps, southwestern Algeria.

AI adopts a clear-cut position on this question, said director of AI's Middle-East and North Africa program, Abdel Salam Sidahmed, in a statement to MAP on the fringes of the presentation of the organization's annual report 2005 on the situation of human rights in the world.

The Polisario Front, an Algeria-backed separatist movement, lays claim to Morocco's southern provinces, known as the Sahara. It still holds some 408 Moroccan PoWs in captivity despite several call of the international community.

AI has highlighted in different reports that the incarceration of these detainees is a blatant violation of human rights, noted Sidahmed.

These persons, the oldest serving prisoners in the world, should be treated in conformity with international law, he said.

These people are held captives arbitrarily and should be immediately released, said Sidahmed.

He recalled that the organization has welcomed the release of some detainees, calling on for elucidating the situation of the persons still held captives by the Polisario.

Sidahmed denounced the impunity of the authors of human rights violations perpetrated in Tindouf camps, adding that Algerian authorities are legally held responsible for this situation since violations are committed in the Algerian territory.

He insisted on the importance to refer all those who committed human rights violations before justice to bring justice to the victims.

AI had deplored in its annual report that "those responsible for human rights abuses in the camps in previous years continued to enjoy impunity."

Previous Stories:
  'Polisario' violates international law by keeping 408 Moroccans captive, ambassador   (5/24/2005)
  'Polisario' violates international law by keeping 408 Moroccans captive, ambassador   (5/24/2005)
  Moroccan PM deplores Algerian stance on Sahara issue   (5/24/2005)
  Morocco deplores Algerian statements on Sahara issue, foreign ministry   (5/23/2005)
  Online petition unveiled to support release of Moroccan POWs in Algeria   (5/20/2005)
  Moroccan prisoners of war held by 'Polisario' meet Washington Times Editorial Board   (5/18/2005)
  Moroccan prisoners of war held by 'Polisario' meet Washington Times Editorial Board   (5/18/2005)
  Arizona senator McCain urged 'Polisario' to release Moroccan prisoners   (5/18/2005)

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