Aminatou Haidar’s family and human rights defenders expelled from airport anticipating her return from Spain

05/12/2009 | Newsletter

Aminatou Haidar

Anticipating the expected return of Aminatou Haidar (CODESA President) to Western Sahara, her family and colleagues arrived at the airport of El-Aiun on Friday, 4 December 2009 around 19:15.

Moroccan police prevented them from entering the airport, forcing them to wait outside in the parking area. At 19:40, the police then threatened this group, saying that their cars will be impounded if they do not leave. Moroccan police also prevented other cars from entering the airport.

Additionally, dozens of Sahrawi women, men, youth and elders gathered at Haidar’s house, expecting her imminent arrival. Those gathered, especially Haidar’s younger song, Mohammed, were greatly disappointed to learn that Haidar’s plane had been prevented from leaving the airport of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands when the Moroccan government refused to issue a landing permit for the special flight of the Spanish foreign ministry.

ASVDH launches an urgent appeal to the UN, the AU and other international organizations to press the Spanish and Moroccan governments to end put an end to the suffering of our colleague, Aminatou Haidar. She has been on hunger strike for 19 days and her health is rapidly deteriorating. Morocco and Spain still have not met her demand to be repatriated to her country and her family.

ASVDH highly commends her courage, will, patience and determination.