Italian group calls for immediate release of Moroccan POW in tindouf

The Milan-based group "Articulo 5 On Tour" that is part of the "Papa boys" (young people who accompany the pope) have called in a release for the "immediate and unconditional release of all Moroccan prisoners of war (POWS) held by the Polisario separatists" in the Tindouf camps (south-western Algeria), for more than two decades.

The release, issued following a conference held in Pontremoli (northern Italy) in solidarity with the Moroccans sequestered in Tindouf camps, "urges the Polisario and Algeria to bring this human tragedy to a halt."

In a message addressed to Pope Jean Paul II and United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, "Articulo 5 On Tour" voices solidarity with the Moroccans prisoners and calls for their immediate liberation.

After testimonies presented during the (Pontremoli) conference by members of a delegation representing Sahrawi Human rights NGO, "we can no longer ignore what is going on and we can no longer keep silent," said the Italian group which derives its name from Article 5 of the UN convention on human rights. "Articilo 5 On Tour" tours Italy carrying a message of peace and solidarity.