Mustafa Mohamed Ali Sid El Bachir, a member of the Polisario Front’s National Secretariat and Minister of Occupied Territories and Diaspora Affairs, announced on Saturday the official launch of an international campaign to secure the release of Sahrawi political prisoners, according to the Sahrawi Press Agency (SPS).
During a press conference, the minister declared the campaign’s start under the slogan: “Freedom for Sahrawi Civilian Prisoners in Moroccan Jails.” He stated that it aims to “raise global awareness of their suffering and the torture, repression, and intimidation they face in Moroccan occupation prisons.”
Sid El Bachir emphasized that “support and monitoring of the prisoners’ resilience have never ceased, bolstered by their steadfast defense of the Sahrawi cause and the combat efforts of the Sahrawi People’s Liberation Army, all advancing national goals.”
He called on Sahrawis worldwide and supporters of their cause to actively join the campaign, raise awareness of the prisoners’ plight, and organize solidarity events. He stressed the need to uphold national principles, defend the Sahrawi people’s legitimate rights to self-determination and independence, and counter Morocco’s misleading propaganda.
The minister noted that the issue of Sahrawi political prisoners remains a fixed priority on the Polisario’s National Secretariat agenda and under constant government oversight. According to SPS, the campaign highlights the prisoners’ and their families’ suffering, Morocco’s repressive practices—such as sealing off occupied areas, expelling foreign delegations, harassing activists—and the ongoing plunder of resources and displacement of locals.
