The TUC expresses deep concern over the sentencing of Saharawis by Moroccan military tribunal.

Following the sentencing of 23 Saharawis by a military tribunal in Morocco, the TUC has written to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, expressing deep concern and urging the Government to intervene to ensure a fair trial in a civilian court and an impartial investigation into the Saharawis' allegations of torture by the Moroccan security forces.

Mr Alistair Burt MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

King Charles Street

London

SW1A 2AH

Dear Alistair

Western Sahara - Sentencing of 23 Saharawis by Moroccan Military Tribunal

I write to express deep concern over the sentencing of 23 Saharawis by a military court in Rabat on Sunday 17 February 2013.

Nine Saharawis have been given life sentences while fourteen others have been sentenced to imprisonments ranging from 20 to 30 years. Two defendants who had spent two years in custody have been released. The 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.

The Military Court went ahead with the trials in crass disregard of the numerous calls by human rights organisations including Amnesty International for an independent and impartial trial in a civilian court and ignored the allegations of torture and confessions allegedly made under duress. The defence lawyers have pointed to a number of irregularities including the lack of strong evidence against the accused.

The TUC is of the view that the Saharawis concerned have been denied natural justice and urges the Government to use its influence with the Moroccan authorities to ensure that they are given a fair trial in a civilian court and that their allegations of torture and forced confessions be properly investigated.

Yours sincerely

FRANCES O' GRADY

General Secretary