Moroccan Activist Nasser Zefzafi Launches New Hunger Strike in Tangier Prison

"The two detainees N. Z. (Nasser Zefzafi) and M.J. announced on Friday at 4:00 p.m. that they have decided to start a hunger strike without explaining the reasons," the DGAPR said in a statement. It adds that the two detainees would have "refused any dialogue with the authorities, including the management of the institution, the regional or central administration or any other authority." According to the DGAPR, the administration of the Tangier 2 prison has always ensured that the two detainees "enjoy all their rights and has met some of their humanitarian requests" allowing them to maintain their family and social ties.

The same source assured that the administration of the penitentiary institution will initiate all necessary procedures in the event of a hunger strike. "The DGAPR cannot be held responsible for the health consequences" that could result from this behavior and "attributes full responsibility" to the detainees concerned and to the parties and individuals who may have pushed them, in various ways, to make such a decision.

The prison administration also reported that the detainee M. B., who is incarcerated in the local prison of Nador 2, is not on a hunger strike and is regularly taking his meals, which contradicts the "allegations circulated by his father."