Tragic Journey of María Aguilar Halak: A Dancer's Nightmare in Morocco
María Aguilar Halak, a 35-year-old dancer from Argentina, has found herself in a dire situation after relocating to Morocco for a job opportunity. What began as a promising professional venture has quickly devolved into a harrowing ordeal marked by severe injury, abandonment by her employers, and a series of assaults stemming from gender-based violence. Originally hailing from Neuquén, Aguilar Halak has traveled to over 20 countries throughout her dance career, but her latest endeavor in Agadir has left her struggling for survival.
Her troubles escalated when she sustained a serious spinal injury during a performance, which occurred when she accidentally stepped on a hot coal and fell. This incident not only ended her dance career but also led to an extensive medical treatment process. "I disintegrated my last two lumbar discs, L5 and S1; I had to undergo injections and now need surgery to recover," she recounted in a conversation with local media. Following this traumatic injury, her employer ceased payment and failed to provide any assistance, prompting her to relocate to Marrakech in search of better prospects.
Escalating Vulnerability and Violence
In Marrakech, Aguilar Halak's vulnerability was exploited when she encountered a man who misled her about his true identity and profession. Presenting himself as a medical professional, he gained her trust only to later manipulate her into providing financial assistance under false pretenses related to family illnesses. The situation took a violent turn when she refused to engage in unprotected sexual relations, resulting in physical aggression against her. "He slapped me and claimed that such behavior was normal in Morocco, asserting that men had authority over women," she stated. Eventually, she discovered that this man was not a doctor but rather a boxer who had swindled her out of approximately 4,000 euros.
Following the assaults, María reported the incidents to local authorities, leading to a restraining order against her attacker. However, the order was violated just three days later when he confronted her again in public, forcing her to change cities out of fear for her safety. While the Argentine Embassy in Morocco is aware of her situation and is monitoring it, bureaucratic processes have delayed her immediate return to Argentina. Desperate and fearing for her life, María has publicly appealed for help, saying, "I just want to go home and reunite with my father." Her current goal is to raise approximately 3 million pesos to cover flight costs and logistical expenses due to her delicate health situation.
In light of her circumstances, María has shared her banking information on her Instagram account, seeking donations to facilitate her urgent repatriation. This plea for financial assistance highlights the tragic irony of her journey; she originally intended to work abroad to support her retired father but now finds herself in need of help to escape a life-threatening situation. As reported by lavoz.com.ar.
