Case History: Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi

On 26 February 2011, human rights defender Ms Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi was physically assaulted while taking part in a peaceful protest in Agadir, Morocco. Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi is the director of the Agadir section of the Association against AIDS, and has also worked with the Democratic League of Women's Rights, Moroccan Association for Human Rights, and the Moroccan Forum for Truth and Justice.

It is reported that on 26 February 2011, Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi and a number of others were attacked by police while taking part in a peaceful demonstration calling for democratic and social reform and human rights in Agadir.

Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi was beaten over the head, resulting in her falling unconscious for several minutes, a broken nose and facial bruising. However, it is alleged that upon arriving at Hassan II hospital, she and several others who had been similarly assaulted were denied treatment or medical reports confirming their injuries. Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi subsequently went to another clinic, where she was provided with a medical report.

Front Line believes that the physical assault of Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi is directly related to her legitimate and peaceful work in defence of human rights. Front Line is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi.

Front Line urges the authorities in Morocco to:

1. Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the physical assault of Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2. Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders in Morocco are able to carry out their legitimate and peaceful human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions.