Algiers, August 31, 2017 (SPS) - Saharawi human rights activist Aminatou Haidar called Wednesday, in Algiers, for protection of Western Sahara people and speeding up the organization of a self-determination referendum, to find a definitive solution to the Saharawi conflict.
Haidar, in an interview with APS, said the violations of Saharawi people's human rights by Moroccan occupation authorities "will continue, at all levels, as long as Western Sahara conflict is not settled."
"The abuses committed by Moroccan authorities against Western Sahara people include the non-respect of Saharawi people's right to self-determination and the confiscation of their civil, economic, social and cultural rights."
The Saharawi activist said the Moroccan regime "has confiscated the most basic rights of Saharawi people, including their right to create associations and freedom of movement, in addition to harassment against human rights activists."
Haidar cited the example of the Saharawi delegation that took part recently in a POLISARIO's summer conference in Boumerdes, Algeria, and who have been ill-treated, and some of them arrested at the airports of Casablanca and al-Ayun."
"There are arrests on a daily basis, and Saharawi activists are arrested and tried in summary trials based on confessions obtained under duress and torture," she said.
Any peaceful demonstrations calling for "speeding up self-determination referendum in Western Sahara, releasing political prisoners and stopping despoliation of natural resources, in addition to international celebrations, including the International Women's Day, are banned by Moroccan authorities," Amniatou Haidar said. SPS
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