Moroccan Rights Body: Migrant Deaths at Melilla Border Caused by Crush

This report was prepared following the information commission that the CNDH dispatched to Nador the day after the migrants’ assault to enter Melilla, in the exercise of its prerogatives and missions, the officials said at a press conference.

Pending the final results of the ongoing autopsy, the report revealed that "the majority of deaths were caused by mechanical asphyxiation, caused by the crush at the crossing point that was stormed by the migrants."

The commission also stressed that there was no use of live ammunition by the security forces. On the other hand, it questioned the responsibility of the Spanish side for the use of violence and for not opening the doors to assist the migrants in distress.

Furthermore, none of the deceased persons during the assault have been buried. The Commission ensured the number of bodies during its visit to the morgue. The city’s hospital received a total of 76 migrants, of whom 5 were already dead and 27 were seriously injured, concludes the CNDH.