London (UK), October 3, 2026 (SPS) – Amnesty International has documented continued surveillance, arrests and restrictions targeting Sahrawi activists and human rights defenders in the occupied cities of Western Sahara, including those organizing peaceful protests.
The organization said Moroccan authorities continue to carry out arbitrary arrests and surveillance, impose restrictions on the movement of some families, and use various methods to monitor protest organizers.
According to the report, Moroccan security forces dispersed peaceful demonstrations in El Aaiun and other cities during February and March, calling for the independence of the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination. The report also documented the assault of Sahrawi activists Mahfouda Lefkir and Saleha Boutenkiza by police in El Aaiun on March 17, following their participation in a protest on Smara Street.
The organization said surveillance in Western Sahara includes physical monitoring, digital surveillance and possible interception of communications, alongside judicial harassment and smear campaigns, restricting the ability of Sahrawi human rights defenders and activists to carry out peaceful activities.
Related blogs
