Sahrawi families launch hunger strike for Gdeim Izik detainees

Families of Sahrawi civil detainees from the Gdeim Izik group have announced they will begin a hunger strike in solidarity with their relatives. The detainees have already been on a hunger strike for 16 consecutive days.

The Sahrawi Association for Victims of Serious Human Rights Violations committed by the Moroccan State (ASVDH) reported that the families are protesting against the deteriorating health conditions and the deprivation of fundamental rights of the detainees in Moroccan prisons.

Additionally, the League for the Protection of Sahrawi Prisoners in Moroccan Prisons stated that families of detainees Mohamed Bachir Boutenkiza and El-Houcine Zaoui were prevented from visiting them at the Kenitra prison for the second consecutive Wednesday, with no legal justification provided. Human rights organizations and UN bodies have been called upon to intervene and ensure the protection and rights of the detainees.