UN Working Group Classifies Detention of Moroccan Activist Saida El Alami as Arbitrary
BY Dr. Hana Saada
RABAT — A United Nations working group has concluded that the detention of Moroccan activist Saida El Alami constitutes arbitrary detention under international law, calling on Moroccan authorities to secure her release and provide remedies for alleged rights violations.
In Opinion No. 8/2026, adopted during its 105th session on March 24, 2026, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention examined the circumstances surrounding El Alami’s arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment, concluding that her deprivation of liberty was inconsistent with Morocco’s international human rights obligations.
According to the opinion, the working group found that El Alami’s detention violated protections relating to personal liberty and security and raised concerns regarding the compatibility of the proceedings against her with internationally recognised fair trial standards.
The UN body further argued that the case involved restrictions on the exercise of freedom of expression, suggesting that the detention was linked to activities protected under international human rights instruments.
The opinion contains several recommendations directed at Moroccan authorities, including El Alami’s immediate release and the provision of appropriate compensation and reparations for damages allegedly suffered as a result of her detention.
The working group also called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her detention and the treatment she received while in custody, urging authorities to examine any potential violations of her rights.
In addition, the UN mechanism requested that Morocco provide information within six months regarding measures taken to implement the recommendations outlined in the opinion.
The findings place renewed international attention on human rights and judicial independence in Morocco, issues that have periodically drawn scrutiny from international organisations and rights groups.
The Moroccan authorities had not publicly responded to the working group’s opinion at the time of publication.
The case of Saida El Alami has attracted attention from domestic and international rights organisations, which have raised concerns about freedom of expression, due process guarantees, and the treatment of government critics in the country.
While the UN working group’s opinions are not legally binding, they are regarded as influential assessments of states’ compliance with international human rights obligations and are frequently cited in discussions concerning judicial practices and civil liberties.
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