Spanish and Moroccan human rights groups investigate at least 18 African deaths and dozens of injuries in an attempt to expand the border fence surrounding Melilla, Spain's outlying land. I called on both countries to do so. North Africa.
Moroccan officials said casualties occurred when people's stampedes tried to climb the iron fence separating Melilla and Morocco. In a statement released Friday, the Moroccan Ministry of Home Affairs said 76 civilians were injured along with 140 Moroccan guards.
A local government quoted by Morocco's official MAP news agency said the death toll had risen to 18 after several migrants died in hospitals. The Moroccan Human Rights Association reported 27 deaths, but the numbers could not be confirmed immediately.
According to the MAP, two members of Moroccan security forces and 33 migrants injured in a border breach were being treated in hospitals in the Moroccan cities of Nador and Oujda.
Traffickers
Sanchez accused Spain's Prime Minister Pedro on Saturday when he was "violent" in Spain. He accused him of describing it as "an attack" and "an attack on the integrity of the territory." Spanish officials said 49 civilian guards were slightly injured.
"If anyone is responsible for everything that seems to have happened at that border, it's the human traffic mafia," Sanchez said.
His remarks show dozens of migrants lying on the ground as the Moroccan Human Rights Association shared a video on social media and Moroccan security forces stood on them. It looked like.
"They were left there for hours without help, which increased the number of deaths," the human rights group said on Twitter. It demanded a comprehensive investigation.
In another video of the association, Moroccan guards seem to have used batons to attack a person lying on the ground.
Rights Group Protest
Delayed Statement Friday, Amnesty International said "deep concern" about what happened at the border. ".
"Immigrants may have acted violently in an attempt to enter Melilla, but not everything goes well when it comes to border control," said Esteban Bertrand, director of Amnesty International Spain. Stated. "Human rights of migrants and refugees must be respected and the situation seen will never happen again."
Five rights groups in Morocco and human rights based in the Andalusian region of southern Spain The organization APDHA also asked for inquiries.
The International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR have also issued a statement expressing "deep sadness and concern" about what happened on the border between Morocco and Melilla.
"The IOM and UNHCR urge all authorities to prioritize the security of migrants and refugees, refrain from using excessive force and protect their human rights," the organization said.
In a statement released Saturday, the Spanish Refugee Commission CEAR accused "indiscriminate use of violence to control migration and borders". Expressed concern that violence was hindering eligible people. For international protection from reaching the Spanish soil.
The Catholic Church in Malaga, a city in southern Spain, also expressed disappointment at this event.
"Both Morocco and Spain have chosen to eliminate human dignity at the border. The arrival of migrants must be avoided and the lives torn along the way must be forgotten. Must be. " A statement written by a parish delegation focused on migration in Malaga and Melilla.
Thousands tried, hundreds successful
A spokesperson for the Spanish government's office in Melilla said about 2,000 crossed border barriers. Attempted, but the Spanish civil guard and Moroccan troops on both sides of the border fence. A total of 133 migrants have achieved it across national borders.
This is the first major crossing attempt since the restoration of relations between Spain and Morocco after a year-long conflict involving the former Spanish colony of Western Sahara, which Morocco annexed in 1976. was. The melting of the relationship took place after Spain supported Morocco's plans. A reversal of previous support for the UN-backed referendum on the status of Western Sahara to give more autonomy to the territory.
