The ‘Free Sahara’ festival, held in the Spanish city of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, has shone an international spotlight on the Saharawi cause, aiming to expand global solidarity with the Saharawi people in their struggle for self-determination while exposing the systematic media blackout imposed by the Moroccan occupation on the occupied territory.
Discussions revealed the extent of Morocco’s information blockade, including the persecution of Saharawi human rights defenders, the expulsion of foreign delegations, and unjust sentences against Saharawi journalists. A Spanish journalist was reportedly barred from entering occupied Dakhla solely due to stamps proving prior visits to refugee camps.
Participants condemned Morocco’s attempts to ‘normalize’ its occupation through tourism and sports, warning that opening tourist air routes and hosting major sporting events in occupied Dakhla constitutes ‘political and sports-washing designed to whitewash the ugly face of occupation.’
Meanwhile, Valencia hosted commemorations marking the founding of the Polisario Front, where Saharawi activist Sultana Khaya told dzwatch she remains committed to resistance, honoring the sacrifices of political prisoners including the ‘Gdeim Izik’ group held in Moroccan jails.
