Two photos of alleged “naked migrants,” circulated alongside a video on social media, have ignited a heated debate among human rights advocates. The images, which surfaced during the attempted mass crossing into Ceuta, have caused a divide between those calling for a thorough investigation ordered by the public prosecutor and others demanding maximum legal penalties for those involved in the incident.

On Tuesday, activists widely shared two photos said to be of Moroccan migrants apprehended following the events of September 15. However, local authorities in M’diq-Fnideq confirmed that one of the photos, showing auxiliary force vehicles, was taken several days prior, while the second, taken near a concrete wall, was also unlikely connected to the recent events. Doubts have emerged regarding their link to incidents in Morocco.

Following these developments, the Attorney General at the Tetouan Court of Appeal announced the launch of a judicial investigation to verify the authenticity of the images and understand the circumstances of their release. Human rights activists are divided on whether these explanations are sufficient, with some calling for strict accountability, particularly in light of Morocco’s long-standing commitment to international laws.

Calls for Patience

Some have called for patience and urged the public to await the results of the judicial inquiry. They argue that understanding the full context of the situation is crucial, particularly given the suspicious timing of the photos’ release.

Adil Chikito, President of the Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights, expressed doubts about the authenticity of the images, stating: “The timing wasn’t coincidental, making it difficult to form a clear human rights position.” He explained that the league’s stance lies between two demands: first, the trial and administrative penalties for those responsible if the images are proven true, and second, the activation of criminal law if the photos and video are indeed authentic.

Chikito also pointed out that if the images are fabricated, the parties responsible for creating and distributing them should be held accountable, as they have caused fear among citizens and uncertainty within society.

Divergent Views

While some local officials from the M’diq-Fnideq province provided explanations, Chikito noted that no official statement had been released, raising doubts about the reliability of these claims. He argued that the situation warrants careful investigation, especially considering the apparent haste in disseminating this information.

On the other hand, Mohamed Zohari, former President of the Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights, asserted that the images depict young men in a humiliating and inhumane condition. He emphasized that authorities should adhere to Article 22 of the Moroccan Constitution, the International Convention Against Torture, and other international treaties, regardless of when the incident occurred.

Zohari believes that these images should prompt immediate judicial action and raised concerns about potential international scrutiny of Morocco’s human rights record if no legal proceedings follow. He emphasized the need for accountability, stressing that this case could attract attention from UN bodies dedicated to preventing torture.

September 18, 2024 – 21:00
Reported by Hespress, Hamza Fawzi Adapted from Hespress حمزة فاوزي
الأربعاء 18 شتنبر 2024 – 21:00