El Wali Amidane

El Wali Amidane (born 26 October 1986) is a Sahrawi human rights activist and an outspoken opponent of the Moroccan invasion of the territory of Western Sahara. He is known for his imprisonment and subsequent torture received in response to his activities on behalf of Saharawi human rights.

El Wali Amidane
Elwali while in prison
Born (1986-10-26) 26 October 1986
El Aaiun, Western Sahara
CitizenshipMoroccan
OccupationHuman rights defender
Years active2005–current
OrganizationCollective of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders

Activist background

In May 2005, Amidane started his activities in the movement behind the Independence Intifada. For this, he was one of the first Saharawi human rights defenders to be arrested that year. He is member of the Saharawi organisation Collectif des Défenseurs Sahraouis des droits de l'homme (CODESA).[1]

In 2006, few months after his release, Amidane's home was attacked by armed group of special forces of the Moroccan police. El Wali and his sister Elkouria Amidane were detained and tortured.[2]

His sister was subsequently released, while El Wali Amidane was sentenced to five years imprisonment.[3] Amidane undertook several hunger strikes while in jail.[4] While in jail, his family's home in Western Sahara was stormed on numerous occasions, while his family was subjected to beatings.[5]

References
  1. "Western Sahara - Sahara Occidental". Arso.org. 17 September 2007. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  2. "Sahara Occidental / Marruecos: 14 prisioneros políticos saharauis condenados por el Tribunal de Apelaciones / 31 enero 2006 / Intervenciones Urgentes / Campañas urgentes / OMCT". Omct.org. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  3. "Morocco and Western Sahara - Amnesty International Report 2008 | Amnesty International". Amnesty.org. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  4. Norway (6 February 2006). "Saharawi political prisoners go on 48 hour hunger strike - Human Rights House Network". Humanrightshouse.org. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  5. "Amidane's family was tortured – then released. See photos". vest-sahara.no. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
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