Antigua and Barbuda Embassy assists in release of citizen detained in Spain

The Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in Madrid has provided diplomatic assistance leading to the release of Ayoub Aissiou, a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda who was detained in Spain. Aissiou, a resident of France, was facing potential extradition to Algeria at the request of Algerian authorities.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Dario Item, intervened by appealing to Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. The embassy raised concerns regarding Aissiou’s journalistic background with the independent media outlet Al Djazairia One, citing allegations of political persecution and threats to his physical safety in Algeria.

In addition to safety concerns, the embassy highlighted humanitarian and family circumstances. Aissiou’s wife and two daughters are citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, and several of his relatives reside legally in Spain. The embassy requested that Spanish authorities consider these factors and grant provisional release during the extradition proceedings.