Rights groups protest near Spanish embassy in Rabat over alleged abuses against migrants in Ceuta

Moroccan rights activists gathered near Spain’s embassy in Rabat on Wednesday to protest what they described as abuses and assaults against migrants in Ceuta. They demanded an independent and transparent investigation to establish what happened and determine responsibility.

The demonstration had been planned outside the embassy, but security measures kept protesters from reaching its immediate surroundings. They instead held the protest nearby, carrying signs condemning racism and hate speech directed at migrants.

Participants also called for food, medical care and humanitarian assistance for migrants. A main banner from the Moroccan League for the Defence of Human Rights urged an independent and transparent inquiry into abuses affecting male and female migrants in Ceuta.

The protesters chanted against the treatment of migrants and raised the issue of Ceuta and Melilla. Some slogans called for an end to what they described as Spanish colonial rule over the two cities. They also rejected what they viewed as growing racism and hatred toward migrants and demanded that any violations be fully examined and responsibility assigned.