Drame migratoire à la frontière entre Melilla et le Maroc : trois ans après, l’enquête interdite

Tragedy of Migration: The Melilla Incident

Overview of the Incident

• On June 24, 2022, a tragic event occurred at the border between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla, resulting in significant loss of life. Official reports state that 23 migrants died during violent clashes with Moroccan security forces as they attempted to cross the militarized border.

• Human rights organizations contest this official death toll, with Amnesty International suggesting that up to 100 individuals may have lost their lives during this incident. Both Morocco and Spain deny any excessive use of force and blame the migrants for instigating violence.

Border Security Measures

• The European Union has heavily fortified its borders in Africa, investing over €38 million to prevent illegal crossings. This includes removing razor wire and raising fences to make them more difficult to breach.

• Advanced surveillance technology is employed along the border, including heat detection systems designed to alert authorities if living beings approach the barriers. These measures have made crossing increasingly perilous for migrants.

Survivor Accounts

• A survivor from Sudan recounts his experience on that fateful day, describing how he was among the first to reach the barrier but faced violent resistance from security forces who threw stones and burning objects at him. He expresses concern for friends who did not survive or were left behind amidst chaos.

• Many survivors acknowledge their precarious situation; while they are now in Spain, they remain worried about those still trapped in Morocco facing harsh conditions and potential abuse by authorities. One individual mentions a friend who was imprisoned without trial for three months under dire circumstances.

Ongoing Consequences

• As of now, around 86 migrants remain imprisoned in Morocco following this incident, with at least 70 others reported missing since June 2022. Their plight continues to be overlooked by both Spanish and Moroccan authorities despite calls for accountability and investigation into human rights violations during these events.

• José Bautista highlights troubling footage showing law enforcement officers using excessive force against migrants during their attempts to cross into Spain, raising serious questions about legal accountability for such actions by both Moroccan police and Spanish civil guards involved in these operations.

Prisoners of Silence: The Hidden Truth Behind Migrant Deaths

Government Pressure and Media Suppression

• The death of a 27-year-old man in Spain has been shrouded in secrecy, with intense pressure from both the Spanish and Moroccan governments to suppress information. Journalists involved in the investigation faced threats of police intervention.

• A Basque deputy, Johnny Arrieta, recognized early on that the events surrounding June 24 were classified as state secrets. He fought for five months to obtain footage from civil guard cameras documenting that day.

• Despite efforts to create a parliamentary inquiry into the incident, requests have been consistently rejected by socialist and right-wing parties, leaving many questions unanswered about potential cover-ups.

Externalization of Borders

• There is a deliberate attempt to conceal information regarding border control policies, with Morocco acting as an external agent for the EU and Spain's migration strategies. This raises concerns about accountability and transparency in handling migrant issues.

• Sergio, a Guardia Civil agent monitoring the border for over two decades, reflects on how his city has transformed into a fortress over time, contrasting past ease of access to Morocco with current restrictions marked by barriers.

Internal Struggles within Law Enforcement

• Within the Guardia Civil at Mia, there is significant discomfort among officers regarding their operational protocols during incidents at the border. One officer expressed concern about being unprepared for simultaneous emergencies involving migrants attempting to cross via swimming while managing other incidents at the fence.

• Maria recalls traumatic experiences from June 24 when many colleagues were injured during confrontations at the border; she felt helpless listening to reports of escalating violence against migrants trying to breach barriers.

Humanitarian Efforts Amidst Crisis

• An elderly retired teacher who has aided migrants for over two decades highlights systemic issues preventing survivors from sharing their stories after being quickly relocated away from centers like hers following traumatic events on June 24. She fears this is an effort to erase their narratives entirely.

• Maïté prepares food for young migrants as part of her humanitarian work while reflecting on those who crossed borders on June 24; she emphasizes remembering all individuals affected by these crises despite limited resources available for support efforts.

The Reality Faced by Young Migrants

• Many young Moroccan migrants express fear about crossing borders due to violent encounters with military personnel who often resort to physical abuse when apprehending them during attempts at illegal crossings. This highlights ongoing human rights concerns along migration routes in Europe’s periphery regions.