Political Prisoner on Trial – Choubida : 9 August 2006

09/08/2006 | Newsletter, Political Prisoners

Date: 9 August 2006
Place: El-Ayoune, Moroccan occupied Western Sahara

Sahrawi political prisoner Laaroussi CHOUBIDA appeared today, 9 August 2006, before the Moroccan court of El-Ayoune, Moroccan occupied Western Sahara, for his first hearing. He is being tried based on the statements of the Moroccan judicial police.

Mr Choubida entered the room making the ‘victory’ sign with his hand, saying slogans against Morocco and in support of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. When asked about his identity, Choubida rejected the Moroccan nationality imposed on him and reaffirmed his unconditional attachment to the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and independence.

Mr Choubida also denied the charges against him. He claimed they rest on a falsified statement. He claims his arrest was based solely on his participation in a demonstration calling for an end to the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara.

The judge, who appeared furious at the statements of Mr Choubida, postponed the trial until 6 September 2006.

Mr Choubida was then forcefully taken back to the Civil Prison (“Black Prison”) of El-Ayoune; he was beaten and kicked on the way.