The Moroccan Organization for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption has sent an «urgent open letter to the Israeli forces» regarding the arrest of Aziz Ghali, former president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, along with other participants in the so-called Sumud Flotilla. In stark contrast to the position of international human rights organizations, the Moroccan group urged Israel «to prosecute them with the harshest penalties», describing the flotilla's attempt to break the blockade on Gaza as a «dangerous and provocative act against the State of Israel». The letter, signed by the organization's Secretary-General, Nabil Ouazzae, read: «I appeal to the Israeli forces to pursue the individual named Aziz Ghali and his group, to prosecute them, and not to release them, given the provocative step they have taken. We consider this an irresponsible act for which the honorable Kingdom of Morocco bears no consequences, as the actions of the individual in question do not represent the stance of the Moroccan state, nor do they reflect its principles». The organization added that «the individual named Aziz Ghali participated in what is called the 'Fleet of Resilience,' an action we consider suspicious, marked by a blatant violation of the laws in force, and carried out without any notification or coordination with the competent Moroccan authorities». It further alleged that Ghali is «known for his affiliation with the 'Polisario' terrorist group, backed by the Algerian regime», and even claimed that «the protest rallies that took place in some Moroccan regions were incited by him, as part of his escalation against the friendly Israeli state, a serious act of incitement that requires legal prosecution with the harshest penalties». The organization went so far as to describe Israel's actions in Gaza, widely condemned internationally as war crimes, as «an internal matter». It declared: «The honorable Kingdom of Morocco believes in serious and responsible dialogue, with respect for the internal affairs of all countries». In conclusion, the letter stated: «We sincerely hope that a ceasefire will be achieved for the brotherly Palestinian people, and that a serious and responsible dialogue between the two parties will be opened, in a manner that serves peace and stability in the region». This unusual stance is not without precedent. Last August, the same organization, which includes «fighting corruption» in its name, expressed solidarity with a traffic police officer in Marrakech who had been temporarily suspended by the General Directorate of National Security after being caught on video soliciting a bribe from a tourist. At the time, the group called for the arrest of the tourist instead, insisting that sanctioning the officer would be «a free gift to external parties».
