The Spanish National Court has granted temporary protection to a Moroccan police officer who applied for asylum, allowing him to remain in Spain while his case is reviewed. The officer, who served in Tangier, submitted his asylum request on May 19 at the Tarajal border crossing in Ceuta, citing discrimination based on his Rifian origins and alleging he was coerced into participating in illegal activities within the Moroccan police force. In statements to Spanish media, he warned, «Returning to Morocco means facing torture, persecution, and possibly even physical elimination». Although Spanish authorities initially rejected his claim—describing his account as «inconsistent and contradictory» and lacking credibility—the National Court ruled that his reasons for seeking protection were «not unrelated to international protection». It found no clear evidence that his statements were false or unreasonable, and decided to uphold the precautionary measure allowing him to stay in Spain as an asylum seeker, in line with European directives. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also supported the officer's case, stating that his account aligns with the criteria for political asylum under the Geneva Convention and Spanish law. The UNHCR further noted his efforts to provide a detailed and coherent narrative, as well as the media attention surrounding his case, which could increase the risks he faces if returned to Morocco.
