Amnesty International public statement: Moroccan authorities assault Sahrawi women activists

On 15–16 April 2022, Moroccan authorities beat and injured at least five Sahrawi women for participating in peaceful protests in support of prominent activist Sultana Khaya, who has been under de facto house arrest since November 2020 because of her advocacy of Western Saharan self-determination.

In Boujdour, Western Sahara, police and plainclothes security agents reportedly used fists, feet, and sticks to assault Zeinab Babi, Embarka Al Hafidhi, Fatima al-Hafidhi, Oum Al Moumin Al Kharashi, and Nasrathum (Hajatna) Babi.

The women told Amnesty International that, in separate incidents, groups of four or more officers targeted them outside their homes to stop them from joining Khaya’s rooftop demonstrations calling for self-determination.

Full report

Source: Amnesty International