Western Sahara: head of Polisario’s Police jailed in secret prison in Algeria

By on September 23, 2010
tindouf-algeriaThe head of rebel movement Polisario frente’s police, Moustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud was arrested on charges of “espionage” by the Algerian secret services and Polisario’s milicia.
Human Rights Watch “HRW” immediately released a statement condemning the arrest, because it was motivated by political, reasons, Ould Salam having publicly supported the Moroccan proposal for autonomy in Western Sahara, whereas part of Polisario movement is claiming independence for this desertic territory. 

Ould Sidi Mouloud was the first top official amongst commanders of Polisario Frente to publicly declare its support for the moroccan autonomy initiative, which constituted what many observers considers as a real breakthrough in ailing negotiations between Morocco and the rebel movement.
It is feared that Moustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud was handed over to the Algerian secret services, the DRS (“Direction Renseignement Securité”), who are known for their brutality and regular practice of torture. Several NGOS have condemned the arrest of Moustapha Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud and are demanding for his immediate release and his right to exercise free speech amongst the Tindouf camps, in south-east Algeria. The conflict over Western Sahara started in the mid-70s and is opposing the Kingdom of Morocco and Algeria-backed rebel movement Frente Polisario, who is asking for the right for self-determination for the sahraoui. Morocco is claiming the 100 000 sahraouis are Moroccans and is proposing a large autonomy through which inhabitants of the sahara will self govern under Moroccan sovereignty.

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