Case History: Babit El Kori
On the evening of 25 January 2015, human rights defender Mr Babit El Kori was attacked by security forces during a protest calling for equal employment rights for Sahrawis, in front of the headquarters of the Moroccan Workers' Union (UMT) in Laayoune. Moroccan security forces dispersed the protest violently, beat several participants and reportedly targeted the organisers.
Babit El Kori is a human rights defender and first deputy general coordinator of the Sahrawi Coordination of Unemployed Alumnus Cadres. He is also the president of Tomorrow Association of Human Rights that aims at spreading human rights culture by organising workshops and seminars as well as publishing studies on human rights issues. It also monitors human rights violations and carries out development projects benefiting the inhabitants of Western Sahara.
On the evening of 25 January 2015, human rights defender Mr Babit El Kori was attacked by security forces during a protest calling for equal employment rights for Sahrawis, in front of the headquarters of the Moroccan Workers' Union (UMT) in Laayoune. Moroccan security forces dispersed the protest violently, beat several participants and reportedly targeted the organisers.
At around 8:30 pm Moroccan Police reportedly attacked Babit El Kori and other organisers while dispersing the peaceful protest. Mr El Kori was beaten on the back by security members. As a result of the attack, the human rights defender suffers back bruises. The protest demanded the right of unemployed Sahrawis to employment and dignity and called upon the Moroccan authorities to put an end to the marginalisation of Sahrawis.
