Geneva (UN Human Rights Council), June 28, 2026 (SPS) – Sahrawi lawyer and human rights defender Dr. Mohamed Hali stated that the Moroccan occupation authorities continue to use the judiciary as a tool of retaliation against Sahrawi human rights defenders and activists advocating for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, as part of a systematic policy aimed at silencing voices defending human rights and fundamental freedoms in Western Sahara.
Dr. Hali made these remarks during an oral statement delivered on June 25 before the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, during the interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.
The Sahrawi lawyer, who was awarded the 2025 Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk, pointed out that these retaliatory measures coincide with the increasing use of the Moroccan judiciary to legitimize repressive practices against Sahrawi activists. He stressed that such actions constitute a flagrant violation of international standards governing judicial independence and the protection of human rights defenders.
Dr. Mohamed Hali called on the Special Rapporteur to take practical steps, within the scope of her mandate, to urge the Moroccan authorities to put an end to these retaliatory practices, guarantee his right to resume practicing law, and ensure protection for Sahrawi lawyers and human rights defenders from all forms of intimidation and retaliation, enabling them to carry out their work in defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear or harassment.
