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Morocco considers suspending extradition treaty with Spain
Morocco is considering the suspension of its bilateral extradition agreement with Spain, according to Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi. The minister cited systemic failures in the handover process, alleging that Spanish authorities often fail to release individuals to Moroccan agents even after identities are verified and transfer dates are set.
Ouahbi also criticized Spain’s migration policies, arguing that Madrid’s practice of regularizing irregular migrants undermines Morocco’s efforts to control departures from its territory. He called for more coordinated bilateral procedures to manage migration flows.
In response, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska defended the existing judicial cooperation, describing the relationship between the two nations as exceptional and based on loyalty. He dismissed the likelihood of a formal rupture in the pact.
The diplomatic tension follows a massive influx of approximately 70,000 to 72,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in late July. Authorities remain on high alert for a potential new wave of irregular crossings on August 15, reportedly encouraged by social media disinformation. Consequently, Italy's Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, noted that Schengen internal border controls with Spain will remain in place until security risks are fully mitigated.
Entities
Abdellatif Ouahbi · Ceuta · Fernando Grande-Marlaska · Matteo Piantedosi · Melilla · Morocco · Spain
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorities are on alert for a potential new mass migration attempt on August 15, fueled by social media disinformation. www.inliberta.it · www.entilocali-online.it · www.iltempo.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] An estimated 70,000 to 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta illegally in late July. www.liputan6.com · www.iltempo.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Spanish authorities aim to return all undocumented migrants who entered Ceuta in late July to Morocco. www.liputan6.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Italy's Interior Minister stated that Schengen border controls with Spain will not be reviewed before August 15 due to security risks. www.inliberta.it · www.entilocali-online.it
- [● 5 SOURCES] Morocco claims Spain fails to execute the handover of individuals after identity verification and scheduled dates. barlamantoday.com · paralalibertad.org · elfarodeceuta.es · www.upday.com · www.lavanguardia.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Morocco is considering suspending its extradition agreement with Spain. cronicaeconomica.com · barlamantoday.com · paralalibertad.org · elfarodeceuta.es · www.iltempo.it · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Moroccan Justice Minister criticized Spain for regularizing migrants who enter irregularly, arguing it undermines Moroccan efforts to prevent departures. barlamantoday.com · www.upday.com · www.lavanguardia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Spain's Interior Minister dismissed the possibility of a breakdown in judicial cooperation, describing the relationship as exceptional. cronicaeconomica.com · elfarodeceuta.es