UN Group Declares Detention of Nasser Zefzafi Arbitrary Amid Government Denial

Wednesday 11 December 2024 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

UN Group Declares Detention of Nasser Zefzafi Arbitrary Amid Government Denial

A United Nations Working Group has determined that the detention of Nasser Zefzafi, a prominent figure in Morocco's Hirak Rif movement, constitutes a violation of international law. Three international organizations—Committee for Justice, Freedom House, and MENA Rights Group—applauded the decision in a joint statement released on December 9.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) issued its findings on October 25, following its 100th session in August 2024. According to the report, Zefzafi's imprisonment breached numerous provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The group further highlighted allegations of torture, which have left Zefzafi with hemiplegia and chronic illnesses during his detention.

Despite the WGAD's conclusion, the Moroccan government has rejected these claims, asserting that Zefzafi's arrest and trial adhered to legal standards. Officials stated that his detention stemmed from activities “aimed at threatening territorial integrity,” including alleged coordination with separatists abroad to advocate for the Rif region's secession.

Arrest and Allegations

Zefzafi was arrested on May 29, 2017, after disrupting prayers at a mosque in Al Hoceima. Authorities accused him of exploiting local grievances by organizing unauthorized protests and engaging in vandalism. Government reports submitted to WGAD detailed significant unrest during the protests, which allegedly resulted in injuries to 589 law enforcement officers and damage to police vehicles.

The WGAD's findings, however, challenge this narrative. The report emphasizes that Zefzafi's actions, including the disruption of prayers, did not incite violence. While acknowledging that his conduct may have offended some individuals, the group concluded that it did not justify his detention under international law.

Sentencing and Reactions

In June 2018, Zefzafi was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Casablanca court. His sentence was upheld on appeal in 2019, and a further challenge to the Court of Cassation was dismissed in 2021. Moroccan authorities maintain that Zefzafi received a fair trial and deny any bias related to his Rif origins, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Moroccan national identity.

In contrast, WGAD has called for Zefzafi’s immediate release and urged Morocco to report back within six months on steps taken to comply with its recommendations. Advocacy groups have echoed this demand, describing Zefzafi’s imprisonment as a grave injustice.

The case continues to polarize opinions, with the government emphasizing national unity and the rule of law, while human rights advocates call for greater accountability and adherence to international standards.