Calls to free Moroccan detainees in Polisario jails

The Istiqlal Party (PI), one of Morocco's largest political organizations, has called for the release of Moroccans detained in the camps of Tindouf, the Polisario stronghold in south-western Algeria.

"Algeria, which violates the fourth Geneva Convention, shoulders responsibility for the suffering and sequestration of Moroccan nationals in Tindouf," Abbas Al-Fassi, PI Secretary-General, told a recent meeting of the Party's National Council.

Moroccans have been detained for more than 20 years, the longest ever period of detention in humanity's history, El Fassi said.

The PI leader also stressed that the Sahara is Moroccan territory and will remain so. He recalled, in this connection, that King Mohammed VI stressed that Morocco will not give up an inch of its Sahara. Al-Fassi also underlined Morocco's right to retrieve Sebta and Mellilia (two Moroccan northern cities still occupied by Spain) and the neighbouring Islands.