Human Rights Group Urges Spain to Allow Repatriation of Drowned Moroccan Migrant’s Body

In a letter addressed to the Interior Ministry, the association is requesting a humanitarian corridor to repatriate the remains to Morocco. It hopes that the Spanish and Moroccan governments will agree to open the border as soon as possible so that Abdelfattah’s family can bury him with dignity. "I ask the Spanish authorities to allow us to bury my brother Abdelfattah Charkaoui, who died trying to immigrate to Europe, in Morocco," implored the victim’s sister.

To read: Moroccan Migrant’s Body Found in Gibraltar Waters, Buried After Weeks-Long Search

"Since our mother learned the news of his death, she is inconsolable. That is why we ask you to return the body to the family so that they can pay him a final tribute and bury him with dignity," added his sister. The Moroccan authorities have confirmed to the association that the victim’s wife has also been informed of her husband’s death. The couple has two children, a boy and a girl, reports El Faro de Melilla. The association, alongside the family, will hold a press conference on Wednesday to provide details on the matter.

To read: Morocco to Repatriate Body of Young Boxing Coach Who Died in Spain

Abdelfattah died by drowning while trying to reach Melilla by swimming. Many young people like him perish or disappear at sea since the closure of the Moroccan borders with Ceuta and Melilla.