Norway Students Expelled from Morocco Amid Sahrawi Journalist Trial Controversy

Two Norwegian nationals, accompanied by five Spaniards, were expelled by the Moroccan authorities upon arrival at Laayoune airport. They had intended to attend the trial of the Sahrawi journalist Nezha El Khalidi, which was to be held on May 20.

The embassy stated that they are not observers, since this is an "official status that implies skills and legal procedures". The two students are activists sent by the Rafto NGO with the aim of provoking an incident and attracting the attention and compassion of the Norwegian people.

"This conflict has generated too much pain and grief on the ground and Morocco regrets that the students are being used to entertain the parties involved in the positive confidence-building measures put in place by the UN Secretary-General," the embassy added.

It should be recalled that the Moroccan authorities decided to expel two representatives of the non-governmental organization Rafto, Diego Vaula Foss and Hans Inge Alander. The embassy had justified Morocco’s decision by the lack of accreditation of the Rafto organization.