In a press conference Wednesday in Brussels, victims have recounted in detail torture in "Polisario" prisons and the inhuman conditions of detention.
The president of "The Mauritanian Association of Young Professionals of Nouadhibou," Ould Sidi Ould Cherif Tejdert, described the suffering experienced by Mauritanian prisoners in the Tindouf camps and families of missing persons, referring to the case of his brother disappeared since 1982.
He reported disappearances of several Mauritanians detained in the Tindouf camps.
"I am here not only for my brother but for all victims of Mauritania. The suffering has lasted 26 years. Light must be shed," he said.
From Brussels, he called on international public opinion to denounce these inhumane practices and ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes to be presented to justice. He also urged the international press to publicize the case and break the silence on this subject.
Numerous media representatives attending the conference have seen the aftermath of torture on the bodies of victims and survivors of "Polisario" prisons.
The Belgian lawyer Jean Abboud described these acts as "genocide" and "crimes against humanity." "all people, especially the people of Mauritania which have been affected," he said.
He presented to the press a damning report on the dangerous violations of human rights by "Polisario" in southern Algeria that he intends to send to UN Secretary-General, and a request for opening an international investigation on these violations.
Through testimony and information gathered from victims and their families, Mr. Abboud provides in his report, photos and evidence to support the inhuman conditions in "Polisario" prisons and torture practices they have suffered.
"This is a humanitarian catastrophe. I ask an independent commission of inquiry to establish an international criminal court under the United Nations to prosecute such crimes. The only thing that can assuage victims is to be their torturers tried, "he said.
Mr. Abboud also distributed to the press a copy of the request for opening an international inquiry on serious violations of human rights committed by Polisario in the Tindouf camps in southern Algeria ", that he intends to submit to the United Nations Secretary-General.
In this request, the lawyer cites in particular the most alarming cases of arrests, detentions and kidnappings in which Algeria is openly involved. These are people arrested and interrogated by Algerian authorities before being delivered to "Polisario".
Mr. Abboud said in a statement to the MAP, that according to information available, Algeria is involved in these acts of torture.
"If Algeria wants to play a fair game, it has to open up a commission of inquiry soon and begins stop these torturers. This is how it can prove its credibility internationally".
For his part, Ms. Delphine Bourgeois, president of the "Med Euro Car" association said she was "outraged, shocked and dismayed" that such barbaric treatments still exist today.
"It is disgraceful and contrary to international conventions," she said.
While "condemning" these acts, she called to initiate an international investigation, expressing the hope that Europe will play a role to shed light on the fate of Mauritanian victims.
Source: MAP
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