Moroccan National Observatory Calls on Spain to Open Parliamentary Investigation into Polisario Attacks on Fishermen
The Moroccan National Observatory of Strategic Studies has urged the Spanish government to initiate a comprehensive parliamentary investigation regarding the attacks targeting Spanish and Moroccan fishermen during the 1970s and 1980s by the Polisario Front. This request was made in an official letter addressed to the Spanish Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Speaker of the Spanish House of Representatives.
The observatory, in a message obtained by Express TV, noted that these attacks targeted fishing vessels operating along the coasts surrounding Moroccan Sahara, resulting in the death and injury of many fishermen, in addition to the kidnapping and detention of some in Tindouf camps, utilizing heavy weaponry and methods that align with international definitions of terrorism. It asserted that approximately 289 Spanish citizens were recorded as victims of these attacks, without any firm legal actions or sufficient official investigations, raising questions about the principle of equality in law enforcement and the victims’ and their families’ right to justice.
The observatory emphasized the necessity of opening a transparent and thorough parliamentary investigation to determine political and legal responsibilities, officially acknowledge the suffering of victims and their families, and integrate these cases into national efforts against terrorism. It called for a review of Spain’s position on the Polisario Front in line with international standards for counter-terrorism, similar to the stance adopted by the U.S. Congress.
The observatory expressed its readiness to fully cooperate with relevant Spanish institutions to ensure accurate documentation of the incidents and achieve justice for the victims, stating that this initiative is part of Morocco’s ongoing monitoring of developments related to the security and stability of the region, seeking to shine a light on historical attacks that have remained unaddressed officially.
