The family of Sahrawi political prisoner and media activist Hamtou Lakouiri, whom Moroccan authorities refer to as “Khambir Mahmoud,” has expressed deep concern following his sudden disappearance from the local prison of “Ait Melloul 1,” with no official information provided regarding his whereabouts or the authority responsible for his transfer.
According to the family, they have lost all contact with him since last Thursday after being informed unofficially that he was no longer inside the prison facility. No details have been given concerning his health condition or legal status, raising growing fears over his physical and psychological safety.
Audio Recording Released Before His Disappearance
Hamtou Lakouiri’s disappearance comes shortly after the circulation of an audio recording attributed to him, in which he spoke about his detention conditions and demanded respect for his fundamental rights, including access to medical treatment and healthcare, the right to continue his studies, separation from common-law prisoners, and transfer to a prison closer to his family in occupied Western Sahara.
His family described the incident as a “serious arbitrary measure,” especially since the disappearance occurred immediately after the recording was widely shared among activists and human rights defenders.
Who Is Hamtou Lakouiri?
Hamtou Lakouiri is known for his media and human rights activism documenting violations committed against Sahrawis in the occupied city of Smara. He has been active in reporting testimonies, protests, raids, and arrests carried out by Moroccan authorities in the territory.
A Moroccan court previously sentenced him to twenty years in prison in a case that sparked widespread criticism from Sahrawi and international human rights organizations, which argued that his prosecution was linked to his media work and political views.
Calls to Reveal His Fate
The family of the Sahrawi activist held the Moroccan state fully responsible for his safety and demanded the immediate disclosure of his whereabouts, guarantees for his protection, and the right for him to communicate with his family and lawyer.
Human rights activists have also called for an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, warning that the ongoing lack of information increases fears that he may be subjected to ill-treatment or enforced isolation.
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