Rif Protest Detainees Excluded from Royal Pardon, Lawyers Demand Answers

The four members of the defense committee for the Hirak detainees of the Rif denounced this state of affairs and indicated that "this treatment is contrary to the rule of law and institutions, and can be described as unjust, discriminatory and selective". Consequently, they ask "to know the reasons that prevented their files from being examined by the Commission", and "an explanation for their non-inclusion on the list of pardoned persons, and the non-access to their medical records".

According to the authors of the letter, the medical file clearly indicates "that many of them suffer from diseases that threaten their safety at any time".

"We are ready to meet you within the limits of your powers, to give you what you might need, from statements or data that show you their right to be treated equally and with respect for their right to health and safety," they write to Mohamed Benabdelkader.

Furthermore, the four lawyers call for "reviewing certain articles of the Dahir of grace", and "making amendments to them". According to them, these articles of law "no longer follow the societal and legal rhythm of Morocco today".