Moroccan human rights groups condemn parliamentary remarks on Years of Lead

Five Moroccan human rights and civil society organizations have issued a joint statement condemning remarks made by Mahmoud Archane of the Social Democratic Movement during a parliamentary session at the House of Councilors. The groups, including the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights and the Moroccan Forum for Truth and Justice, denounced Archane’s use of the term ‘fifth column’ to describe critics and his challenge to a televised debate to determine ‘who the executioner is.’

The organizations stated that these remarks constitute a provocation to victims and their families, an insult to collective memory, and a violation of the truth and reconciliation process. The statement noted that these comments are particularly sensitive given testimonies from victims who have attributed responsibility for torture and human rights violations during the ‘Years of Lead’ to Archane.

In response to the controversy, human rights activist Aziz Ghali has challenged Archane to a public hearing scheduled for December 10, coinciding with International Human Rights Day. Ghali has called for the formation of a preparatory committee involving lawyers, researchers, and victims' families to document testimonies regarding torture and enforced disappearances.