Somali authorities reassure families as 6 Moroccans await repatriation after acquittal

Ya Biladi

2 days ago

Following recent statements from the families of Moroccan nationals who were sentenced to death and later acquitted for joining ISIS, Somali authorities have moved to reassure them about the possibility of their return to Morocco.
«Officials visited us at the Garoowe detention center. They assured us that we've been cleared by the justice system. Essentially, we could be repatriated at any moment, once the Moroccan side provides documents verifying our identities», said one of the individuals involved in a voice message sent Tuesday through his family.
The six Moroccan nationals had their passports confiscated while in ISIS-controlled territory. After receiving death sentences from a Puntland military court at first instance, they were later acquitted on appeal. They have since been transferred to the administration under the Somali Ministry of Justice to facilitate their repatriation.
A previous repatriation attempt reportedly failed due to insufficient identity documentation. According to one detainee, Somali officials said the group could be repatriated «unconditionally, even within 24 hours, or transferred to an international organization», as long as identity documents are supplied.
In Morocco, the families of the detainees have submitted letters to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, the Ministry of Justice, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the National Human Rights Council (CNDH).
In Spain, relatives of Ahmed N., one of the six men, told Yabiladi they had contacted the Moroccan consulate in Seville, which has since forwarded the request to Rabat and is awaiting further updates.