The headquarters of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights (AMDH) denounced on Tuesday the harassment of some lawyers who are members of the defense committee of the Hirak detainees. In a communiqué sent to Yabiladi, the NGO voiced its concerns regarding the issue discussed during one of its meetings on September the 30th. While congratulating these lawyers for «their valuable efforts to enforce law and justice and ensure that the conditions and standards of a fair trial are respected», AMDH «strongly denounces the threats and pressure put to discourage them from fulfilling their duty». In particular, the NGO cited the example of Abdessadak Elbouchattaoui, a lawyer at the Tetouan bar, the professional body of lawyers, who was still, according to the AMDH, accused of «unfounded charges». «This proves that the security approach undertaken by state agencies is becoming more systematic by affecting the immunity of the defense and its independence, which is a violation of the international conventions ratified by Morocco», wrote the NGO in a press release. To express «its unconditional solidarity with members of the defense committee of the Rif detainees affected by these odious threats» and to support «the immunity of the defense and the noble message of the free and independent lawyers». AMDH also took this opportunity to call on organizations and associations to intensify their efforts and coordinate to address and stop the abuse and harassment.
