Families Protest Inaction on 2013 Melilla Deaths, Demand Justice for Slain Youths

The families of Emin, 20, and Pisly, 24, gathered again to demand justice, 9 years and 6 months after the deaths of the two young people in 2013. The demonstration took place in front of the Municipal Assembly Palace. On this occasion and as usual, the victims’ loved ones observed a minute of silence in their memory and took stock of the unsuccessful steps taken with the Spanish authorities.

On his own behalf and on behalf of Driss Mohamed, Emin’s father, who was absent from this demonstration for medical reasons, Abdeselam Ahmed, Pisly’s father, read in full the response of the central government to the question of Senator Carles Mulet of Compromís on this case: "Steps at different levels have been taken since 2013 on this file which continues to be a concern and of interest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation."

Abdeselam Ahmed said he had tried to meet with government members during their recent visits to the autonomous city. Without success. "They did not give me this opportunity," he said, hoping to have more luck during the next visits of the leaders. He did not fail to deplore the absence of the government delegate and members of the delegation at this demonstration. "We are mule drivers and we will see each other along the way."

Pisly’s father is desperate in the face of the inaction of the Spanish and Moroccan authorities. "It can happen to any of us... Our children were taken from us and every time we come to complain, it seems that we are a nuisance. We don’t ask for anything, the only thing we want is for justice to be done," he insisted.