Outcry grows after dozens die trying to cross Morocco-Spain land border
OVIEDO, Spain (AA) – Hundreds took to the streets across Spain on Sunday to protest the lack of an investigation into the deaths of up to 37 migrants trying to cross from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Melilla.
Around 2,000 migrants, many from Sudan, tried to cross the militarized border fence on Friday and were met with force from both Moroccan and Spanish authorities.
Initial reports indicated five dead, but Moroccan authorities later raised that figure to 23. Helena Maleno Garzon, head of the NGO Walking Borders, says at least 37 people lost their lives.
On Saturday, several non-governmental organizations released a joint statement demanding a probe into the treatment of migrants during their attempt to cross the border. The AMDH specifically pleaded against burying bodies without an investigation.
Algerian diplomat Amar Belani called the deaths a “massacre,” while Colombian leader Gustavo Petro also used that term, saying that what occurred amounted to “barbarity” against people fleeing hunger.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson also called the events “deeply troubling” on Sunday.
This is the largest mass movement on this border since Spain and Morocco boosted bilateral cooperation after Madrid decided to support Rabat’s position on the independence of Western Sahara.
Last summer, Moroccan authorities stood passively by as thousands swam into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta amid a diplomatic spat over Spain treating the separatist leader of Western Sahara for COVID-19.
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