Morocco: 53 detainees of Hirak Al-Rif go on hunger strike

Morocco: The detainees of Hirak Al-Rif in Oukacha Prison of Casablanca went on hunger strike since last Friday stated their family members.

According to a Moroccan newspaper Lakome the brother of one of the 53 detainees, Khaled Jalloul, has confirmed the same. He said: “All the detainees went on a hunger strike four days ago,” adding that, the detainee- Rabie Al-Ablaq has been on a hunger strike since 35 days, which led to deterioration in his health due his decision to stop eating.” Middle East Monitor reported.

The Court in Casablanca has sentenced 53 detainees for protesting in the city of Al Hoceima and neighbouring areas.

According to the sources from the Detainees Defence Body on the backdrop of Hirak Rif, 4 detainees identified as Nasser Al-Zafzafi, Nabil Ahmajiq, Samir Aghid and Wassim Al-Bustati have decided not to appear before the court to appeal the 20 years of each sentence against them. The four detainees told the Defence Body they do not want to appeal the sentence, a Moroccan newspaper reported.

The newspaper added, the Defence team is trying to convince the four detainees should appeal in order to give the appellate judges an opportunity to correct the errors of the initial sentence.

The Defence appearing for the detainees is expected to visit the local prison of Aïn Sebaâ (Oukacha) on Monday and Tuesday to persuade the detainees to appeal their sentences before the legal deadline expires in 10 days.