Many have raised concerns after photos surfaced online of deceased sub-Saharan migrants trying to cross from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Melilla, including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro. Sanchez. According to Aljazeera, on Friday, June 24, 2,000 migrants tried to cross the fence from Morocco into Melilla, killing 23 people and injuring several officers. The death toll is expected to rise. During the violence that lasted about two hours, nearly 130 migrants successfully breached the border.
Prime Minister Sanchez has promised his government will provide “full cooperation” with the Spanish and Moroccan investigations into the deaths of migrants. A day after the United Nations accused authorities on the border between Morocco and Spain of using excessive force, calling it unacceptable, Prime Minister Sanchez gave an explanation. “I regret the loss of life and express my solidarity with the families of the migrants who have lost their lives,” he said.
He added, “We have to trust these organizations, and I am committed to the government’s full cooperation with their efforts to clarify what happened.” Reports indicate that currently, three investigations have been opened. The first case was carried out by Moroccan prosecutors, another Spanish prosecutor, and the third by the Spanish human rights ombudsman.
As The Guardian reports, many of the migrants trying to cross the border are asylum seekers fleeing the conflict in Sudan, according to the Spanish Refugee Commission. They argue that the violence has prevented those eligible for international protection from arriving on Spanish soil.
Judith Sunderland of Human Rights Watch spoke out about the images circulating online. She said, “Videos and photos show bodies scattered on the ground in pools of blood, Moroccan security forces kicking and beating people, and the Spanish Civil Guard releasing tears. on the men clinging to the fence.” Roommates, we will update you as more information becomes available.
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