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PUSL.- Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in answer to the written question presented by MEP’s Manu Pineda and Sira Rego from Izquierda Unida (The Left) regarding Mohamed Lamin Haddi, saharawi political prisoner of the Gdeim Izik group that started his hungerstrike last January 13th, opted for a “non-answer” skipping all together the second and third question of the MEP’s-
Mr. Borrell states that the “The EU follows the state of health and general conditions of detention of the ‘Gdeim Izik’ camp detainees through its regular contacts with local and international human rights organisations.”
Taking in account that none international organizations are allowed access to the Gdeim Izik prisoners, in fact even their own lawyer has been expelled from Moroccan territory and not allowed to contact with the detainees, one must enquire with whom Mr. Borrell has contact.
Regarding the local organizations, it is a clear reference to the CNDH Moroccan Human Rights Council which has no independence nor impartiality whatsoever since it is a state founded organization and the CNDH’s president and at least nine of its 27 members are appointed by the King of Morocco.
Below the written answer and question:
Question for written answer E-000443/2021
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Manu Pineda (The Left), Sira Rego (The Left)
Answer in writing
Subject: Sahrawi political prisoner Mohamed Lamin, of the Gdeim Izik group, continues his hunger strike in Morocco’s Tiflet2 prison
On 13 January, Sahrawi political prisoner Mohamed Lamin began a hunger strike to demand basic rights whilst in prison, such as hot food, blankets and medical care. Other political prisoners from the Gdeim Izik group staged a 48-hour hunger strike in solidarity with Mr Lamin. The situation facing Sahrawi political prisoners in Moroccan prisons is a cause for concern on account of the prisoners’ continued ill-treatment and abuse, and the lack of hygiene and basic conditions in the prisons. Mr Lamin is not receiving the medical examinations required for prisoners on hunger strike, such as blood pressure or body temperature checks. The EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024(1), particularly regarding the rule of law and the fair administration of justice, states that the EU will support the improvement of detention conditions and the treatment of persons deprived of liberty in line with international standards.
1. What information does the EEAS have on Mr Lamin’s condition?
2. Does it intend to send a representative of the EU Delegation in Rabat to verify his condition in Tiflet 2 prison?
3. How does the EU intend to improve relations with Morocco, as a preferred partner, to ensure that the dignity of Sahrawi prisoners is respected?
(1) Annex to the Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council: EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020JC0005
EN E-000443/2021
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell
on behalf of the European Commission
(29.3.2021)
The EU follows the state of health and general conditions of detention of the ‘Gdeim Izik’ camp detainees through its regular contacts with local and international human rights organisations. The EU has also raised this case directly with the National Council for Human Rights, which has informed the EU about its plans to visit Mr Lamin to verify his condition directly. Besides, the EU Delegation in Rabat has followed closely the case’s civil proceedings concerning these detainees, acting as an observer.
Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a vital component of the bilateral relations with Morocco, as notably reflected in the EU-Morocco Declaration of 27 June 2019[1].
[1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/06/27/joint-declaration-by-the-european-union-and-the-kingdom-of-morocco-for-the-fourteenth-meeting-of-the-association-council/
