All News items from Western Sahara

Front Line has received the following update in relation to the case of Western Saharan human rights defenders Mr Ali Salem Tamek, Mr Brahim Dahane, Mr Ahmad Anasiri, Mr Yahdih Ettarrouzi, Mr Rachid Sghayar and Mr Saleh Lebayhi who continue to be held in detention in Sale prison in Morocco. 

On her return to her home in Western Sahara after 34 days on hunger strike Aminatou Haidar issued the following letter of thanks to Front Line and the many international organisations and individuals who had supported her cause. "The battle has finally ended as we hoped it to end, and the triumphal ship of solidarity has anchored alongside the Saharawi homeland". 

On 14 December 2009, human rights defender, Mr Ennaama Asfari was released after serving a four-month sentence in prison, having been found guilty of "contempt toward public officials while in the performance of their duty”. 

Front Line is extremely concerned to learn that human rights defender Ms Aminatou Haidar has been expelled from Western Sahara and deported to the Canary Islands following her arbitrary arrest on 13 November 2009 at Laayoune airport. Moroccan authorities held her for nearly 22 hours before sending her to Spain. Aminatou Haidar is the chairwoman of the Collectif des Défenseurs Sahraouis des Droits de l´Homme - CODESA (Collective of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders). 

On 27 August 2009, human rights defender, Mr Ennaama Asfari was sentenced to four months imprisonment by a court in Tan Tan, South Morocco having been found guilty of "contempt toward public officials while in the performance of their duty.” 

On 24 June 2009, the Agadeer Appeal Court confirmed the 15 year sentence against human rights defender Mr. Yahya Mohamed el Hafed. According to the information received, the day after the court session, Yahya Mohamed el Hafed was subjected to physical assault by the guards at the Ayat-Melol prison, where his head was hit against the wall. 

Front Line is relieved to learn that human rights defender Yahya Mohamed el Hafed Aaza decided 20 May 2009, to stop the hunger strike which he commenced on 3 April 2009 and has caused a dramatic deterioration in his health.