Call for Support: Trial of Naama Asfari

11/11/2009 | Urgent Appeals

Dear Friends,

My cordial greetings,

Naama Asfari

In the context of repression against human rights defenders in Western Sahara and the Sahrawi people, the Sahrawi activist and co-chair of CORELSO, Mr. Naama Asfari, will appear in an appeal hearing on November 16, 2009, following his sentencing of four months in prison by the Court of First Instance in Tan Tan.

Under the latest escalation of tension, ASVDH, sharing the concerns of the Sahrawi citizens and those of experts in the field of human rights in the region concerning the trial of Naama Asfari, calls for all international NGOs and international agencies to support this defender of human rights and guarantee him a fair trial and counter any desire for vengeance and for a correct application of international standards relating to human rights and fair trials.

ASVDH reiterates that the presence of many international observers will only increase the chances of Mr. Asfari, and all political prisoners, to have a fair trial in a justice system that the international community does not dare to characterize as independent.

Thank you,
Secretary General of ASVDH