A May 21 attempt to transfer a Saharawi prisoner from Laayoune, in Western Sahara, to Morocco's north has sparked a wave of protest. Morocco has occupied Western Sahara since 1975. Protests on May 24-27 against the transfer were brutally attacked by Moroccon forces with batons. The violence fuelled Saharawis' fury, and the protests spread to many towns. More than 100 protesters have been arrested, and around 25 have been charged with criminal conspiracy and other charges. Those released have alleged torture, including being beaten, partially suffocated and suspended in contorted positions. On June 17, the anniversary of a 1970 Saharawi independence protest, a large protest supporting the banned pro-independence Polisario Front was savagely attacked. To help, visit <http://www.arso.org>.
From Green Left Weekly, June 29, 2005.
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