Dili (Timor-Leste), 17 July 2026 (SPS) – The Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (FRETILIN) has expressed solidarity with Sahrawi human rights defender Naâma Asfari and called for his immediate and unconditional release, along with that of all Sahrawi political prisoners.
In a statement issued on Thursday, FRETILIN said it was deeply concerned over the critical health condition of Naâma Asfari, who has been imprisoned for more than fifteen years and has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 8 June 2026.
The Timorese political movement expressed concern over the deterioration of his health, prolonged isolation and denial of adequate medical care, describing the situation as an urgent humanitarian and human rights concern.
Recalling its own history of struggle against colonialism and occupation, FRETILIN stressed the importance of defending the fundamental rights, dignity and freedoms of all peoples, affirming that respect for international law, human rights and the rule of law must not be selective or conditional.
FRETILIN called on the Moroccan occupation authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and humanitarian principles, while urging the international community, the United Nations, the African Union and all states committed to justice and human rights to take immediate and effective action to protect the life of Naâma Asfari.
The Timorese movement also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Naâma Asfari and all Sahrawi political prisoners detained for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights, as well as the implementation of the recommendations and opinions issued by relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms, including Opinion No. 23/2023 of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
FRETILIN further demanded immediate access to independent medical care and humanitarian assistance, including visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross and family members, and called for an end to intimidation and reprisals against the families of Sahrawi prisoners.
It also urged unrestricted access for independent international humanitarian and human rights mechanisms to all Sahrawi political prisoners, an urgent visit by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and other relevant UN Special Procedures, and unrestricted access for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor the human rights situation of Sahrawi political prisoners.
Reaffirming that respect for human dignity is universal and indivisible, FRETILIN stressed that every individual is entitled to due process, humane treatment and the protection guaranteed under international law.
The statement expressed hope that immediate humanitarian action would be taken to safeguard the life of Naâma Asfari and ensure that justice, dialogue and respect for human rights prevail.
FRETILIN concluded by reaffirming its solidarity with Naâma Asfari and all Sahrawi political prisoners, stressing that “justice, dignity and freedom must prevail.”
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