Dublin (Ireland), May 22, 2025 (SPS) - The Front Line Defenders organization has awarded its annual human rights prize to Sahrawi human rights defender Mr. Mohamed Hali from the Middle East and North Africa region.
The award was presented at a ceremony organized by the human rights organization today, Thursday, in the Irish capital Dublin, attended by personalities and both Irish and international human rights organizations.
"This award is an addition to the ongoing struggle for my right to practice law," said Emhamed Hali, who is prevented by Moroccan occupying authorities from practicing law in the occupied territories of Western Sahara.
He added, "For many years, my dream has been to work as a human rights lawyer and defend my people's rights and those of human rights defenders in Western Sahara who are currently suffering behind Moroccan bars."
"I dedicate this award to all Sahrawi human rights defenders for their tremendous efforts in protecting human rights, despite the significant personal risks involved," concluded Emhamed Hali.
International lawyer Toni Surz Moï, who represents Emhamed Hali and nominated him for the award, stated, "Emhamed Hali's case exemplifies the retaliatory actions faced by human rights defenders in Western Sahara, and this award recognizes their important work in documenting a reality that Morocco tries to hide from the world."
It is worth noting that this award is granted annually by Front Line Defenders to human rights defenders around the globe from various geographic regions. This year, recipients also included defenders from Benin, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Western Sahara.
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