A Sahrawi prisoner, Mohamed Bourial, has begun a 48-hour hunger strike at Aït Melloul prison in Morocco. The strike, which started on September 22, 2026, is a protest against the Moroccan authorities' failure to address his legitimate demands. Bourial, a member of the Gdeim Izik group, has been subjected to isolation since 2017, which has resulted in him being denied basic rights, including contact with fellow prisoners and family visits.
According to the Association for the Protection of Sahrawi Prisoners in Moroccan Occupation Prisons, Bourial's detention conditions are difficult, and his isolation has exacerbated his situation. The association claims that Bourial has been denied several fundamental rights enshrined in international human rights law. His family has stated that his demands include the implementation of recommendations from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Committee against Torture.
Bourial is demanding his immediate release, as well as that of his fellow Gdeim Izik group members. He is also calling for an end to his isolation, which has separated him from his fellow prisoners since 2017. Additionally, Bourial wants his right to family visits to be reinstated and for him to be transferred to the occupied city of El-Ayoun to be closer to his family.
The association has warned that if the Moroccan prison authorities fail to address Bourial's demands, he will continue his hunger strike in a progressive manner until his demands are met. The association holds the prison authorities responsible for Bourial's safety and health and is urging national and international human rights organizations to show solidarity and intervene urgently.
The association is calling on concerned authorities to respond promptly to Bourial's demands and ensure his human dignity. Bourial's hunger strike is a protest against the Moroccan authorities' alleged failure to respect his rights as a prisoner. His case has highlighted the plight of Sahrawi prisoners in Moroccan detention.
The situation of Sahrawi prisoners in Morocco has been a subject of concern for human rights organizations. The Association for the Protection of Sahrawi Prisoners in Moroccan Occupation Prisons is working to bring attention to their cases and advocate for their rights. The association's efforts aim to ensure that Sahrawi prisoners are treated in accordance with international human rights standards.
Mohamed Bourial's hunger strike has brought attention to the harsh conditions faced by Sahrawi prisoners in Morocco. His case underscores the need for the Moroccan authorities to address the concerns of Sahrawi prisoners and ensure that their rights are respected. The international community is being urged to take note of Bourial's situation and support his demands for justice and human rights.
Key points
- Mohamed Bourial, a Sahrawi prisoner, has started a hunger strike in Morocco to protest against his isolation and denial of basic rights.
- Bourial's demands include his immediate release, an end to his isolation, and the reinstatement of his right to family visits.
- The Association for the Protection of Sahrawi Prisoners in Moroccan Occupation Prisons is urging national and international human rights organizations to show solidarity and intervene urgently in Bourial's case.
