From torture to surveillance and house arrests, activists say they have faced unprecedented repression in recent weeks
People call for the independence of the Western Sahara in a protest (AFP/Illustration:Mohamad Elasaar/MEE)
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Published date: 19 February 2021 12:16 UTC
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Last update: 1 month ago
Activists in Western Sahara say they are facing a brutal crackdown in the wake of Morocco's normalisation deal with Israel.
US recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara has, the activists say, emboldened authorities to carry out abuses against ordinary citizens and those who oppose the decision.
Mahmoud Lemaadel, who regularly sheds light on violations in the region, said that in recent weeks there had been an unprecedented number of attacks on activists and campaigners.