NGO inquires on situation of former detainees in Southern Algeria

Members of a London-based NGO inquired, in Laayoune Monday, about the situation of former detainees that were held by the Polisario separatists.

The delegation of the International Committee for Prisoners in Tindouf were briefed by former prisoners on the serious violations of human rights taking place in the Tindouf camps in south-western Algeria, and listened to testimonies on the "barbarous acts" committed by the Algeria-backed Polisario front. The latter is claiming the separation of Morocco's southern provinces (the Sahara) from the rest of the country. The Sahara, a former Spanish colony, was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid Accords.

Representatives of Sahrawi human rights associations presented a list of names of people who went missing in the camps, and of persons who perished under repression. They urged members of the delegation to inform the European and international public opinion on the tragic situation in Tindouf camps and on the human rights violations committed by the Polisario separatists.

They also called for the release of all Moroccans who are still held captives in the camps, and who, they said, are used by the Polisario for political blackmail.

The international Committee for prisoners in Tindouf groups political figures, university professors and jurists from the UK, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Since its establishment in 2004, the Committee has made several initiatives to raise the international public awareness on the tragedy of the Moroccans held captives by the Polisario.