TUC demands release of Saharawi prisoners on hunger strike.

The TUC expresses solidarity with Saharawi prisoners on hunger strike and calls upon the Government of Morocco to release them without further delay.  

Thirteen Saharawi prisoners have been on hunger strike since the beginning of March this year, demanding their immediate release and that of their fellow prisoners convicted of same offences. Amnesty International, in an urgent action appeal, notes that the prisoners have suffered significant weight loss and are in a state of extreme fatigue. Their convictions relate to violent incidents which erupted during the demolition of the Gdim Izik protest camp by the Moroccan security forces in which 11 of them and two Saharawis were killed in November 2010. 25 Saharawis were tried in a military tribunal in crass disregard of the numerous calls by human rights organisations including Amnesty International for an independent and impartial trial in a civilian court. The TUC is of the view that the Saharawis concerned have been denied natural justice and urges the Government of Morocco to release them without further delay.

The TUC reiterates its support for the people of Western Sahara in their struggle for self-determination.