Commemorating the Memory of Dridi and Belhouri

The dates of August 27 and 28, 2026, mark the 42nd anniversary of the deaths of both Bobakr Dridi and Mustafa Belhouri, coinciding with an ongoing hunger strike initiated by the detainees known as the "Marrakech Group" in 1984, as stated in a joint statement issued by their families. This hunger strike began on July 4, 1984, at the Boulemharez prison in Marrakech and continued for 62 days in the prisons of Safi and Essaouira. The detainees undertook this drastic measure to protest against the conditions of their incarceration and to demand what they deemed humane conditions that would preserve their dignity.

The families of Dridi and Belhouri emphasized that commemorating this anniversary serves as a moment to recall the sacrifices made by their loved ones and their companions, while also reinforcing the significance of this event in the context of Morocco's human rights and political memory. They reiterated their commitment to the values of freedom, dignity, social justice, and democracy.

On this occasion, both families expressed their solidarity with all political prisoners and their families, demanding their release and calling for an end to political imprisonment in all its forms. They urged an immediate cessation of what they described as restrictions on freedoms and political repression, advocating for a public space that respects rights and liberties while promoting the principles of equality, social justice, and human rights.

Additionally, the statement highlighted pride in the roles played by the human rights and democratic movements in Morocco, calling for their community presence to be strengthened and for ongoing efforts to combat serious human rights violations and to ensure that such violations are not repeated.

Internationally, the families conveyed their support for movements advocating for freedom, dignity, and human rights, reiterating their solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination and to confront occupation.

In conclusion, the families of Dridi and Belhouri reaffirmed their commitment to honoring the memory of the departed and safeguarding their legacy, while also remembering all victims of political and human rights violations, and calling for the continuation of the struggle for a more just, free, and democratic society.

As reported by tanwer.ma.