Sahrawi Sheikhs and dignitaries of the Rguibat tribe in Laayun urge urge release of Mustapha Salma
The Sheikhs and dignitaries of the Rguibat and Ait Lahcen tribes in Laayun denounced the kidnapping of Mustapha Ould Sidi Mouloud Salma by militias of polisario on Tuesday, calling on human rights organizations to take urgent action to get him released.

In a statement at a meeting held on Wednesday in Laayun, the sheikhs of the Rguibat underlined that Algeria should ensure the protection of Ould Sidi Mouloud, calling for his right to free speech and to meet his family members in the Tindouf camps (south west of Algeria) to be respected.

They also vehemently denounced how he was kidnapped at the Algerian security services' behest upon his arrival in the Mhiriz region, as well as his arrest, in inhuman conditions, to gag and prevent him from demanding the freedom of the Sahrawis.

They added that this kidnapping defies the calls made by the international community and the human rights associations which support Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud.

In another statement, the sheikhs of the Ait Lahcen tribe emphasized that this abduction constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of expression and refelects the systematic repression practiced by polisario against those who dare to break away with the one-sided thought prevailing in the camps.

They called on the United Nations Organisation and all Human Rights organizations to take urgent action to release Ould Sidi Mouloud, who has demonstrated a high sense of sacrifice for the dignity of the Sahrawis detained in the camps and their liberation from the grip of this gang that seeks to silence the voices supporting the autonomy proposal as a realistic solution to the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

Ould Sidi Mouloud had, early August in Smara, announced his support for the Moroccan autonomy plan and his intention to defend it in the camps.

UNHCR deeply concerned about arrest of Ould Sidi Mouloud by polisario

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) expressed, on Thursday, "deep concern" over the arrest in Tindouf camps (south western Algeria) of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud, chief inspector of polisario's police.
Speaking to the press in Rabat at an information day on the situation of refugees in Morocco, the UNHCR representative, Johnnes Van Der Klaauw, said the UN refugee agency "closely" follows with "concern" the arrest in the Tindouf camps of Ould Sidi Mouloud.

Ould Sidi Mouloud was arrested on Tuesday evening by the polisario militia upon his arrival in the border post leading to the Tindouf camps, coming from the Mauritania.

In a call to Sahrawi and international public opinion, Ould Sidi Mouloud voiced determination to defend his convictions despite the state of terror the polisario leadership seeks to impose in the camps to muzzle consciences and prevent them from proclaiming the truth.

He called on the UN and all international human rights organisations to support him in order to preserve his right to free speech and his physical integrity.

Ould Sidi Mouloud had announced in a press conference, on August 9 in the southern city of Smara, his intention to return to the camps of Tindouf to defend Morocco's autonomy proposal.


Amnesty International voices fears over Ould Sidi Mouloud's fate

The International human rights watchdog, Amnesty International (AI, based in London) voiced Thursday fears over the fate of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud, kidnapped by the separatists of the Polisario in Tindouf (south-western Algeria).

Ould Sidi Mouloud, a "supporter of the autonomy plan", proposed by Morocco to settle the Sahara issue under its sovereignty, "should not face retaliation in the Tindouf camps in Algeria", said Amnesty in a press release, explaining that it called, in a letter sent Wednesday to the separatists of the Polisario, on the secessionist junta "to reveal the legal status and whereabouts of Mustapha Salma Sidi Mouloud", who was kidnapped on 21 September.

The organization fears that he might be held solely on account of his publicly expressed views in favour of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud's brother, Mohamed Sheikh Sidi Mouloud, told Amnesty International that his relatives do not know where he is being detained.

“They were verbally informed” by members of the separatist group that Mustapha Salma Sidi Mouloud “will be referred to trial before a military court after 12 days”, said Amnesty.

The organisation recalled that on 9 August 2010, Mustapha Salma Sidi Mouloud, a polisario official, announced in a press conference in Smara his support for the autonomy of the region under Moroccan sovereignty. Shortly prior to his arrest, he made public his intention to further promote the Moroccan autonomy plan to the Sahrawi population detained against their will in the Tindouf camps, added Amnesty.

It noted that the kidnapping of Mustapha Ould Sidi Mouloud was acknowledged by sources from within the separatist group.

The press release went on to say that in its letter to the separatists, Amnesty called for ensuring that Mustapha Salma Ould sidi Mouloud “be protected from arbitrary detention or any other retaliatory measures” due to his public stance in support of the autonomy of the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.

“Amnesty International believes that peaceful support for the autonomy of the Sahara should not be perceived as an act to justify restrictions to the right to freedom of expression”, added the release, stressing that Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud should be released and should further be provided with immediate access to a lawyer, his family and any medical attention he might require.

In its letter to the separatists, AI added that it would consider Mustapha Salma Sidi Mouloud a prisoner of conscience if he is held solely on the basis of his views on the autonomy of the Sahara.

Amnesty further stressed that “the Algerian government, as the country hosting the camps in Tindouf, also has an obligation to ensure that the right to freedom of expression is respected within its territory”.

“Despite this, the Algerian authorities prevented two Moroccan journalists from the Sahara Ousbouiya weekly, Lahcen Tigbadar and Mohamed Slimani, from covering the return of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud to the Tindouf camps”, said the organisation.

Mohamed Slimani told Amnesty International that upon their arrival in Tindouf, “they were interrogated by Algerian security officials and kept under close surveillance until their expulsion on 22 September”.


HRW urges immediate release of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud

The international rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch (HRW), called, on Thursday, for the immediate release of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud, who was detained by the polisario militia after he voiced support to Morocco's autonomy proposal for the Sahara.
During his stay in Morocco, Ould Sidi Mouloud, chief inspector of the polisario's police, "publicly declared his support for Morocco's proposal to resolve the conflict over the Sahara (…) by granting it autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty," HRW said in a statement.

Ould Sidi Mouloud "publicly praised Morocco's solution to the conflict and said he would return to Tindouf to defend it, which is his right," Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch made it clear.

In this respect, HRW called on Algeria to shoulder its responsibility to guarantee human rights of all persons on its territory and "ensure Ould Sidi Mouloud's right to free speech."

Ould Sidi Mouloud had announced In a press conference, on August 9 in the southern city of Smara, his intention to return to the camps of Tindouf to defend Morocco's autonomy proposal.

Moroccan rights NGOs and associations denounce arrest of Ould Sidi Mouloud

The Moroccan Organization for Human Rights (OMDH) called on the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR) to provide international protection for Mustapha Selma Ould Sidi Mouloud, Chief Inspector of the Polisario police, who wants to return to the Tindouf camps (south-western Algeria).

In a message to the HRC, the OMDH called for guaranteeing Ould Sidi Mouloud the right of "movement, free expression of ideas and opinion and family reunification."

The NGO urged to ensure the physical integrity of Sidi Mouloud’s family members, according to the UNHCR Executive Committee decision on the families' reunification as well as simplifying and encouraging family visits.

The OMDH added that it “follows with deep concern” the polisario decision to arrest and prosecute Mustapha Selma Ould Sidi Mouloud for treason if he returns to the Tindouf camps, where his wife and four children live.

The OMDH also voiced its concern regarding the threats against Ould Sidi Mouloud’s life and physical integrity, stressing that he was forced to stay in Zouerate (Mauritania) against his will.

The Organization points out that Mustapha Selma Ould Sidi Mouloud had visited his family and friends in Smara in July and expressed his political positions on the Sahara conflict during a press conference.


The President of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), Khadija Ryadi, called, on Wednesday, for the release of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud, who was arrested on Tuesday night by the polisario militias upon his arrival in the border post leading to the Tindouf camps, coming from Mauritania.

Ryadi told MAP that she called for the right of Ould Sidi Mouloud, a polisario official, to be respected in accordance with the international conventions on human rights, stressing the need to protect the rights of all Moroccans held against their will in Tindouf (southwest of Algeria).

The AMDH reiterated its call for respecting the right of Sidi Ould Mouloud to return to the Tindouf camps to express his opinions freely, she said.


US NGO calls on the International Committee of the Red Cross to seek the release of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud


The Leadership Council for Human Rights this morning called on the International Committee of the Red Cross to seek the release of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud, the 42 year old police inspector of the Polisario.

Sidi Mouloud was arrested yesterday by Algerian and Polisario authorities after speaking out in favor of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan for the Western Sahara.

“Not only is Sidi Mouloud’s arrest illegal – all he did was speak his mind; I don’t remember freedom of speech having been removed from the list of fundamental rights– it raises concerns for his overall safety,” stated Kathryn Cameron Porter, Founder and President of the Leadership Council for Human Rights. “The last senior figure to come out in support of the Autonomy Plan, Mahfoud Ali Beiba, had a sudden and unexpected heart attack immediately after his announcement.”

Before his illegal detention, Mr. Sidi Mouloud was barred access by Algerian and Polisario authorities from his wife and children, including his newborn baby girl whom he has not yet seen.


Norwegian NGO urges international community to ensure protection of Ould Sidi Mouloud

 The Norwegian NGO "World Action for Refugees" on Thursday called upon the international community to preserve the physical integrity of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud who was kidnapped by polisario on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Thursday, it urged the international community to take this matter seriously and voiced concerns about the “serious threats” to Ould Sidi Mouloud’s life and that of his family.

In this regard, it called on the UN refugee's agency to take the necessary measures so as to provide all possible guarantees for his protection.

Moreover, the NGO said the prevention, on September 17, by the Algerian authorities of Sahrawi families from disembarking in Tindouf airport, within the framework of UNHCR led family visit flights, represents a blatant violation of the UN principles and the confidence-building measures.

The NGO denounced the continued silence of some eager activists who pretend to be human rights advocates, and who, in paradox, remain selective in their actions.

The World Action for Refugees launched an appeal for the protection of the Tindouf’s refugees, who live in the confined camps of Tindouf and are deprived of their fundamental right to freedom of movement.

"Freedom for All" calls for immediate release of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud

The British Association, Freedom for All, called Wednesday for the immediate release of Mr. Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud , who was abducted by militiamen in Polisario camps in Tindouf (southwestern Algeria).

"Freedom for All calls for the immediate release of Mr. Mustapha Salma, his own protection and the protection of members of his family," the Association said in a statement.

The Association added it was "deeply concerned about the treatment made to Mr. Ould Sidi Mouloud by Polisario (supported by Algeria) after expressing his support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco to settle the Sahara issue under Moroccan sovereignty and after expressing his intention to boldly promote the plan among the populations sequestered in Tindouf.

"We applaud the courage that Mr. Mustapha Salma showed, despite threats to his life," says Freedom for All.

"This episode illustrates the failure of the Polisario to tolerate any opposition" to its ideas obsolete, concludes the Association.

Khat Achahid movement calls for freeing 'immediately' Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud

The Khat Achahid movement, opposing the Polisario, called for the immediate release of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud and the respect of his right to free speech in the camps of Tindouf.
In a press release to MAP, the movement urged the Polisario leaders who are oppressing the Sahrawi population in the camps of Tindouf, to free immediately Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud.

The movement, which wants to show publicly its solidarity with Ould Mouloud, said it supports his right to freely express his opinion, join his family and move freely in the camps of Tindouf.

The movement said the polisario leaders take full responsibility for any action that might be prejudicial to the safety, integrity, liberty and health of Ould Sidi Mouloud.

Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud, who has recently announced, in a press conference in Smara, his support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative, has been abducted on Tuesday by the polisario militia upon his arrival to the border post leading to the camps of Tindouf.

Saadani Maoulainine to EFE: Kidnapping of Ould Sidi Mouloud one more example of polisario's rights violations

The kidnapping of Mustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud, who has expressed his support for Morocco's initiative to grant autonomy to the southern provinces, is one more example of human rights violations by the polisario front, a member of the Royal Consultative Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS) said.

"The kidnapping of Ould Sidi Mouloud is one example of thousands of other cases. The polisario front does not respect the minimum of the fundamental rights of Sahrawis. It respects neither human rights nor economic, social and cultural rights," Saadani Maoulainine told EFE news agency.

In statements to the news agency, Saadani Maoulainine said that the international community must be aware that this case is "an example of the daily behavior of the Polisario."

She deplored the fact that Ould Sidi Mouloud was kidnapped by the Polisario in Tindouf upon his return for "having expressed his support for the autonomy plan for Sahara proposed by HM King Mohammed VI."

The kidnapping of Ould Sidi Mouloud is "a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression."


Belgian prelate "deeply shocked" by the kidnapping of Mustafa Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud

 Belgian Catholic church prelate, Jean Abboud, said he was "deeply saddened and shocked" by the kidnapping of Mustafa Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud by the polisario's militias, calling for international mobilization to ensure his safety and immediate release.

"I am deeply saddened and shocked by the kidnapping of Mustafa Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud for having wanted to be rational (…) and to support Morocco's autonomy proposal, which is largely commended by the international community", the prelate, who participated in a sit-in before the European commission’s headquarters on Thursday, told MAP.

Abboud, who is also a jurist in international criminal law, called on the international community to press the polisario and Algeria to allow Ould Sidi Mouloud to "join his family safe and sound", hailing his courage in expressing his opinion freely.

"Ould Sidi Mouloud is a new victim of the polisario and Algeria", the prelate underscored, saying that it is "extremely shocking" that and Arab country, like Algeria, is supporting such "criminal and terrorist movements."

Abboud also underlined the need to set up a special criminal court "as soon as possible" to try the polisario for their crimes, affirming that there are cases of "cannibalism in the Tindouf camps".

For his part, Jean-Pierre Malmendier, former Belgian senator and current member of Ministerial Cabinet of Finance, said he was "outraged" by the kidnapping of Ould Sidi Mouloud, which is an "unacceptable attitude in democracy."

Malmendier expressed his support for Morocco's autonomy plan, insisting that it is the only solution to the conflict over the Sahara, which is "unquestionably Moroccan".

In the same vein, deputy to the Brussels Parliament, Gisèle Mandaila, launched an appeal to the European and international community to ensure the protection of the Sahrawi population held captive, in inhuman conditions, in the Tindouf camps.

News and events concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas