Mhamed Hali, a Sahrawi lawyer and human rights defender, continues to advocate for the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi people despite facing harassment, attacks, and professional repercussions from Moroccan authorities for his activism.
Born in Laayoune, Western Sahara, in 1987, Hali grew up hearing accounts of violations committed after the 1975 Moroccan military invasion. He has dedicated his career to defending human rights, despite being banned from practicing law in Morocco as punishment for his work.
Solidarity, Justice and Community
Hali’s commitment to human rights stems from values instilled in him by his family. He studied law with the intention of shedding light on the situation in the occupied territories of Western Sahara and combating injustice.
Following university, he co-founded the Association for the Protection of Sahrawi Prisoners in Moroccan Prisons. The organization advocates for Sahrawi political prisoners, providing support from the time of arrest through trial and imprisonment, and monitoring their conditions.
Retaliation
Hali is motivated by the tangible impact of his work on the lives of victims and their families. However, Sahrawi human rights defenders frequently face repression, including arrest, assault, and defamation.
Hali himself has been targeted on multiple occasions. He was abducted and tortured by Moroccan intelligence services in 2007. He also survived two attacks in 2009 and 2012, where he was threatened for his activism. Complaints filed with the police were never investigated. He has also experienced harassment on social media.
A common tactic used against activists is to prevent them from working. In 2019, Hali’s application to the Agadir Bar Association was rejected despite passing the exam, due to a secret report alleging “anti-Moroccan activities.” Appeals to Moroccan courts were unsuccessful, and he has also been denied employment in the private sector due to government pressure.
Shining a Light
Despite the challenges, Hali finds resilience in the humanitarian aspects of his work and the positive impact it has on individuals and communities. He emphasizes the importance of shining a light on the situation in Western Sahara, which is often subject to a blockade on information.
He believes change begins with protecting human rights defenders, increasing visibility for their work, and mobilizing the international community to hold perpetrators accountable.
A World of Peace and Humanity
Hali acknowledged the significant contributions of international human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, in highlighting the issues in Western Sahara. He expressed his honor at receiving the Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk in May, and visited the memorial for slain human rights defenders in Dublin, Ireland.
He views recognition and appreciation as a source of hope and a balm for the wounds suffered by human rights defenders working in dangerous environments.
Hali encourages anyone considering a career in human rights advocacy, stating that it is a worthwhile path towards creating a more peaceful and just world. He believes that every new advocate adds to the light illuminating the path towards positive change.
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