Question for written answer E-001177/2021
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138 of the Rules of Procedure
Manu Pineda (GUE / NGL)
Subject: Increase in violence in Western Sahara after the ceasefire
In recent weeks, we have seen a new wave of repression against activists and defenders in Western Sahara. Police brutality against Sultana Khaya and her family, temporary kidnappings such as those of Ghali Bouhalla and Mohamed Nafaa Boutasoutra, arbitrary arrests such as those of Zakaria Rguibi and Salouki Mohamed, or mistreatment in prison against Mohamed Lamin Haddi, currently on hunger strike for undetermined time. In the latter case, numerous human rights organizations, such as the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders belonging to the OMCT, request urgent intervention (1), since the situation is alarming.
1 Under international humanitarian law and given that Morocco is the EU’s preferred partner, when does the European External Action Service (EEAS) intend to condemn this escalation of repression in Western Sahara?
2 What is the reasoned explanation of the EEAS for not suspending the EU-Morocco Association Agreement which establishes respect for human rights as a priority issue, and yet the Moroccan Government does not respect them?
3 Does the EU Delegation intend to visit Mohamed Lamin Haddi in prison to check his health and conditions?
