Spanish Government remains silent on expulsions of nationals from Western Sahara

The government of Pedro Sánchez prefers not to comment on the expulsion of Spanish nationals from the Sahara by Moroccan authorities, despite six questions raised on the matter by an MP from the Basque party EH Bildu, as reported by the daily Público.

«The Spanish embassy and consulate systematically intervene to assist Spanish citizens when they are informed of situations concerning them», the government replied in writing, avoiding going into detail. The parliamentarian was particularly interested in knowing whether «the government had contacted the journalists and activists involved to ensure their safety and document any potential abuses during the expulsions».

The Spanish executive has yet to respond to similar written questions posed by MPs from the far-left coalition Sumar, submitted at the end of January.

Since the beginning of the year, Morocco has expelled several Spanish citizens from the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, who came to «learn about the human rights situation in Western Sahara». The latest expulsion took place on Sunday, March 2, in Dakhla.