Equipe Media
February 7, 2024
El Aaiun, Occupied Western Sahara – The Moroccan appeal court in occupied El Aaiun has postponed the trial of 23-year-old Saharawi activist Mansour El Moussaoui until next Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
El Moussaoui was initially arrested on January 31, 2024, while attempting to obtain a police clearance certificate at a police station in El Aaiun. He was taken to the notorious “black prison” without explanation.
According to his cousin, Mahfouda El Faquir, who spoke to Equipe Media, “Mansour was previously arrested on October 28, 2019, after participating in peaceful marches and protests celebrating the Algerian national team’s victory in the Arab Cup held in Qatar. He was sentenced to one year in prison on July 15, 2020, under fabricated charges.”
El Moussaoui was re-arrested on July 15, 2022, during a dawn raid on his family home by Moroccan police. He was charged with fabricated offenses but later granted temporary release on bail.
El Moussaoui’s most recent arrest reportedly occurred while attempting to gather documents required for his enrollment and exams at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, Morocco. His detention has prevented him from fulfilling these academic requirements.
El Moussaoui’s case highlights the ongoing struggle faced by Saharawi activists in Western Sahara, who frequently face harassment, arbitrary arrest, and unfair trials.