Washington (United States), July 23, 2026 (SPS) – The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Center has called on the Moroccan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sahrawi human rights defender and political prisoner Naama Asfari, expressing deep concern over the continued deterioration of his health as a result of the open-ended hunger strike he has been conducting since June 8, 2026.
In a statement, the Center stressed that the Moroccan authorities must respond to Asfari’s legitimate demands and engage in constructive dialogue to bring the hunger strike to an end. It also emphasized the urgent need to guarantee him access to independent medical care and regular communication with his family amid growing concerns for his safety and well-being.
The statement quoted the Center’s President, Kerry Kennedy, as saying that the continued detention of Naama Asfari despite United Nations decisions issued in his case “represents a continuation of impunity.”
According to the Center, the Moroccan authorities have failed to implement United Nations recommendations and have continued to harass Asfari and members of his family. The statement indicated that he has lost approximately ten kilograms since the start of his hunger strike and that communication between him and his family has been cut off since July 13.
The Center concluded by warning that the continued detention of Naama Asfari, despite repeated United Nations decisions and the authorities’ refusal to respond to his legitimate demands, places his life at serious risk and reflects the ongoing persecution of Sahrawi activists. It called on the Moroccan authorities to fully implement United Nations recommendations and uphold their international human rights obligations.
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