The Sahrawi Journalists’ and Writers’ Association in Europe has strongly condemned what it described as a smear and incitement campaign targeting journalists accompanying French human rights activist Claude Mangin during the recent Freedom March in France.
In an official statement, the Association denounced the attacks against journalists Mam Deih and Sidah Lajil, members of the Sahrawi media collective Équipe Média, who were documenting the march calling for the release of Sahrawi political prisoners held in Moroccan jails. The Association emphasized that such targeting of journalists raises alarming questions about the state of freedom of expression and press freedom in France—a country that prides itself on upholding democratic values and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“Such targeting in France of Sahrawi journalists, who chose to stand with the voice of justice and freedom while defending human rights, is a stain on the reputation of France, the country of liberties,” the statement read. It called on French authorities to protect journalists from defamation and incitement campaigns and to hold perpetrators accountable.
The Association expressed full solidarity with the targeted journalists, Claude Mangin, and all participants in the Freedom March, reaffirming its support for all voices advocating justice, dignity, and the freedom of Sahrawi prisoners.
