The Foreign Office of the United Kingdom issued a travel warning on Monday for British tourists planning holidays in Morocco, advising them to avoid crossing the maritime border into Algeria. The warning follows the shooting of two French-Moroccan tourists by the Algerian Coast Guard after they unintentionally strayed into Algerian waters on jet skis.
The advisory statement warns: “The land border between Algeria and Morocco is closed. Don’t attempt to cross it. Be aware that the border extends into the sea. If you are in a boat or hiring a jet ski, make sure you know where the maritime border is and remain clearly within Moroccan territorial waters.”
The office urges holidaymakers to make sure they have enough fuel to be able to return to shore.
The two fatalities, Bilal Kissi and Abdelali Merchouer, both French-Moroccan dual nationals, were tragically killed after they got lost jet skiing and crossed over into Algeria near the seaside town of Saidia on Morocco’s northeast coast.
A third individual who was injured but is alive, Smail Snabé, also French-Moroccan, was taken into custody by the Algerian coastguard, and immediately charged, tried, and sentenced to 18 months in prison for refusing to comply with orders.
Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH) expressed deep concern in a press release issued on Sunday questioning the sentencing of Snabé to prison in Algeria.
The CNDH also criticized the Algerian coast guard’s use of live ammunition against unarmed individuals, expressing concern about the navy’s lack of assistance for those stuck at sea.
The Council has asked Algeria’s human rights institution to ensure that Snabé be given a fair and public trial with international observers present to assure his safety.
The Algerian Coast Guard’s actions violate international standards for the protection of life and safety at sea, stated the council, citing the International Convention of the Safety of Life at Sea and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue.
CNDH committed to closely watch the unfolding of this tragedy and to put into place international human rights law and norms to protect justice and the fundamental rights of victims and their families.