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At least 23 migrants were killed and dozens more were injured after attempting to invade Melilla’s outpost in North Africa, Spain, on June 24, officials said.
African Union Commission (AUC) Chairman Musafaki Mahamat called for an “immediate investigation” of the case. The incident began when hundreds of migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, began to attack the border from Morocco at around 6:40 am local time. To Melilla.
Thousands of people tried to climb the iron fence between Morocco and Melilla, causing fierce clashes between immigrants, Moroccan police and Spanish security forces, officials said.
Melilla has become a hotspot in recent years for prominent sub-Saharan immigrants seeking to reach Europe.
“I express deep shock and concern about the violent and degrading treatment of African migrants trying to cross the border from Morocco to Spain. Subsequent violence has killed at least 23 people and even more. Will lead to injuries to people. ” Said on twitter Late June 26th.
“I urgently investigate this issue and remember the obligation under international law to treat all migrants with dignity in all countries and to prioritize security and human rights while refraining from using excessive force. Let me do it, “he added.
The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but authorities have quoted “stampede” by about 2,000 migrants, in addition to several people falling while trying to climb the iron fence. ..
“Wide range of operations”
“A large number of people south of Sahara … broke through the access gates of the Barriochino border crossing, jumped over the roof of the checkpoint and entered Melilla,” said a representative of the Spanish government. statement..
The statement added that a border raid had occurred “despite a large-scale operation by Moroccan troops.”
Officials say 23 people were killed in the incident, Report The death toll was 37, including reports by EuroMed Rights (formerly the EuroMed Rights Network).
image Post online EuroMed Rights represent dozens of migrants, many of whom are covered in what looks like blood and lie still on the ground while security forces surround them. Some migrants can be seen sitting, but appear to be injured.
The Epoch Times could not confirm the image.
An unnamed man trying to cross the border told the Spanish newspaper El País: That is what caused the stampede. “
Helena Maleno Garzon, the founder of Walking Borders, who upholds the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, is on Twitter, and the victims of the tragedy are “hours under the cruel gaze of those who were supposed to help them. Was also suffering. ” So. “
and statement On June 24, the Moroccan Ministry of Home Affairs said 76 civilians and 140 Moroccan guards were injured.
Resumption of diplomatic relations
This incident represents the first such border crossing attempt since Spain and Morocco. Resuming diplomatic relations Former Spanish colony annexed by Morocco in 1976 after Spain upheld Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in March.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez praised the authorities’ response on June 25, accusing him of describing the “trafficking mafia” as a “systematic and violent assault.”
“If anyone is responsible for everything that seems to have happened at that border, it’s the human traffic mafia,” Sanchez said. Told the journalist In Madrid.
A spokesman for the Spanish government’s office in Melilla told local media that a total of 133 migrants had arrived across the border.
Esteban Bertrand, head of Amnesty International in Spain, called on Spanish and Moroccan authorities to “quickly investigate serious abuse committed on both sides of the border,” in a Twitter post where immigrants came from. Seek protection without facing discrimination, regardless of location.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Katabella Roberts is a reporter currently based in Turkey. She focuses primarily on the United States and covers the news and business of The Epoch Times.
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