Former detainee Laaraj recounts atrocities he lived in detention centers

Former detainee, Addi Laaraj, described Wednesday at the 4th session of hearings into human rights violations committed from 1956 to 1999, his multiple arrests in the prisons of Goulmima, Fes, Corbis and Derb Moulay Cherif, and the atrocities he witnessed in those penitentiaries.

Laaraj said he is relieved to be able to talk today about the atrocities he was subjected to following the events of 1973 in Amlagou.

He recalled how he was besieged by 400 elements of security forces who dispossessed him of all that he owned before his trial and condemnation to a life sentence.

Laaraj was cleared of charges in 1980, and was released following a royal pardon.

In his testimony, the former detainee underlined that he was constantly harassed and that up to 1999 he was continually summoned by authorities.

Despite all the suffering he endured, Addi Laaraj concluded by saying "we hope God will forgive those who have tortured us."