Spanish MP to File Complaint Against Morocco Following Denial of Entry to Sahrawi Territory

Noemi Santana Perera, a member of the Spanish Congress representing the “Podemos” party, stated that the Moroccan occupation authorities’ refusal to allow a political and human rights delegation to enter occupied Western Sahara constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. She emphasized that the delegation intends to file a formal complaint against Morocco.

In a statement to Sahrawi media outlets, the MP described the treatment of the delegation upon their arrival at the occupied Laayoune airport as a “flagrant violation of fundamental rights.” She noted that the Moroccan authorities used force and exclusion against the delegation without any legal basis or official justification.

Santana Perera added that the delegation, which included three Spanish political figures, was prevented from disembarking from the aircraft despite their repeated requests for an official explanation or to identify the authority responsible for the decision.

“We remained on the plane for approximately twenty minutes attempting to disembark, but unidentified elements prevented us from doing so,” she stated. “This scene illustrates how rights are systematically violated in Western Sahara.” The deputy stressed that the delegation had been transparent about its political nature and the purpose of the visit: a mission to monitor respect for international law and human rights, particularly regarding the political detention of Sahrawi individuals.

However, she noted that the occupation authorities disregarded these facts and simply instructed the aircraft commander to return immediately to the Canary Islands, providing no official documentation for the refusal.

Santana Perera affirmed that the incident not only violates the rights of the Sahrawi people but also infringes upon the personal rights of the Spanish delegation members. This, she argued, necessitates “filing a formal complaint before the competent authorities.” “What we experienced in those few minutes allowed us to imagine the scale of suffering endured daily by Sahrawi activists defending their land and looted resources,” she added. Concluding her statement, she expressed deep regret over the delegation’s inability to meet with members of Sahrawi civil society.