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Doha – Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH) of Morocco has recently given the green light to conduct DNA analysis on the remains of detainees who died in the secret Tazmamart prison. This decision comes after a 20-year-long request by the Association of Victims of Tazmamart.
In a statement, the association revealed that it held on August 29 a virtual meeting, in which many victims and families associated with the secret Tazmamart prison took part.
“It became clear that the National Human Rights Council had contacted some of the rightful families in order to conduct genetic analyses of the martyrs who died unjustly and aggressively inside the detention center,” the association noted.
“After an extensive discussion on this topic that lasted for several hours, the meeting concluded that the association is the only legitimate representative of the victims and their families, the spokesperson on their behalf, and the bearer of their concerns, aspirations, and demands.”
They emphasized the need to address the Tazmamart case in a “comprehensive and equitable manner,” calling for a full revelation of the truth and individual and collective reparations for the victims and their families in accordance with international standards.
Ahmed Marzouki, a former detainee and one of the few survivors of Tazmamart, voiced reservations about the timing and motivations behind the initiative. While welcoming the decision, he questioned the CNDH’s sudden change in position.
“This is a positive step that we have been requesting for years, but they firmly refused, claiming that DNA was not sufficient to identify the remains,” Marzouki told Al3omk. “They questioned the usefulness of this procedure, and we do not know why this decision was made now.”
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Marzouki criticized the handling of the process, alleging that Tazmamart survivors were not adequately consulted or involved. “They act as if they experienced Tazmamart in our place, as if they endured the torture and suffering,” he said.
In addition to what he calls “the marginalization of victims,” Marzouki denounced the MAD 2 million compensation as inconceivable given what they had endured.
The Association of Victims of Tazmamart further announced that an agreement was reached to address CNDH president Amina Bouayach to request an urgent meeting regarding the victims’ and families’ demands.
It expressed its appreciation for the CNDH’s response to the request for “conducting genetic analyses for the martyrs first and the rightful families second, even though it came two decades late.”
The secret detention center of Tazmamart, located in southeastern Morocco, housed military officers and other individuals who were subjected to inhumane conditions and torture following attempted coups against the late King Hassan II in 1971 and 1972.
Many detainees perished during their imprisonment, and the survivors have long sought justice and accountability for the abuses they suffered.
