Occupied El Aaiún, 23 October 2026 (SPS) – Sahrawi civil prisoners from the Gdeim Izik group held in Moroccan prisons launched a 24-hour warning hunger strike on Friday, in solidarity with the 12 October Group, whose members were arrested following a peaceful protest outside the Moroccan prison administration’s delegation on 12 October in support of hunger-striking prisoners.
In a solidarity statement issued on Thursday, the prisoners expressed their unconditional support for the group and all Sahrawi civil prisoners, condemning what they described as arbitrary arrests and unjust prosecutions targeting Sahrawi human rights defenders and students.
They said the strike was intended to denounce ongoing repression and restrictions on freedoms. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all members of the 12 October Group and all Sahrawi civil prisoners, as well as the dropping of legal proceedings against the students concerned.
The prisoners also urged international human rights organisations to be allowed access to detainees to assess their health conditions, holding the Moroccan occupying authorities responsible for any deterioration in their health.
They called for action to end the reported violations and reaffirmed their determination to continue defending their rights despite the sacrifices this may entail.
Related blogs
