Morocco Expels Journalists and Activists Amidst Western Sahara Dispute
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morocco’s ongoing dispute over the Western Sahara region has escalated with the expulsion of journalists and an activist last summer, highlighting a continuing crackdown on those seeking to document the situation on the ground. The incident underscores a broader pattern of restricted access and alleged human rights abuses in the contested territory.
A Team Targeted
Last summer, Moroccan authorities expelled Raúl Conde, a Cantabrian activist advocating for the sahara, alongside Asturian reporter Leonor Suárez and Oscar Allende, the director of EL FARADIO.The team was attempting to gain access to Western Sahara to report on the challenges faced by those advocating for independence and basic freedoms – including the rights to assembly, exhibition, association, and expression.
The expulsion itself was preceded by a concerning pattern of behavior,according to reports.The team experienced surveillance and pressure in the towns they visited, culminating in an escorted departure from the country via a motorcade to the airport.
Uncovering the Situation in Western Sahara
Suárez, a seasoned journalist with extensive international experience, later produced a report broadcast on the Asturias Semanal program. This report framed the expulsion within the context of Morocco’s half-century occupation of the former Spanish colony.The occupation has created a arduous situation for the Sahrawi people, forcing them to choose between life in exile or enduring repression within Western Sahara.
The journalistic work specifically aimed to connect with Equipe Media, a group of journalists operating within Western Sahara who are dedicated to bringing the situation to international attention through publications, including those in EL FARADIO.
Beyond the immediate incident, the report delves into the complex realities of Western Sahara, including allegations of human rights abuses. These include revisiting past events like the attacks at the Gdeim Izik camp and the brutal assault on activist Sultana Khaya, which reportedly included rape. The report also highlights the unusual colonial situation, where a former colony has not achieved independence and remains under the control of another power.
Spain’s Role Under Scrutiny
The report also examines Spain’s historically shifting stance toward Morocco and Western Sahara. according to the report, Spain’s policies have frequently enough favored the occupying power rather than supporting its former colony.
Circumventing the Blockade
Despite the challenges of accessing Western Sahara, the report, titled ‘No news from the Sahara,’ successfully gathered testimonies and images from within the territory. This included interviews with Sahrawi citizens living in Asturias, human rights defenders, and, crucially, Ahmet Etanji of equipe Media.
The timing of the report’s release in November is important, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Green March – a large-scale demonstration of Moroccan citizens entering the Sahara, which ultimately led to the territory’s occupation.this occurred during a period of political transition in Spain, with king Juan Carlos acting as Head of State while dictator Franco was hospitalized.
You can view the documentary at this link.
The expulsion of these journa
