Sahrawi Student Sentenced to 15 Years for 2015 Murder of Amazigh Activist in Morocco

The facts date back to 2015, when bloody clashes had taken place between Amazigh students and Sahrawi separatists. The defendant had caused the death of Omar Khaliq, a fervent defender of the Amazigh cause, reports Alyaoum24.

Known as "Saddam", the defendant had been extradited to Morocco after failing to obtain political asylum in the Canary Islands. Indicted in late 2019, the man had to answer three charges, including premeditated manslaughter, assault and battery with a weapon, and carrying weapons without authorization.

On April 10, 2018, the Marrakech Court of Appeal had sentenced 18 Sahrawi students to 89 years in prison for inciting riots on the university campus. 7 people had been injured during the demonstration.

The parents of the victim Omar Khaliq were entitled to compensation of 120,000 dirhams, paid jointly by all the defendants. His brothers, moreover, will each receive 15,000 dirhams.