Algerian authorities released 52 Moroccan detainees to their home country on Monday through the Zouj Beghal border, the “Association for the Aid of Migrants in Vulnerable Situations” (ASMV) in Oujda reported on its official Facebook page.
The group of Moroccans, including three women and five minors, had previously served their sentences in Algerian prisons and were detained near the capital Algiers.
This process has previously faced “several technical and procedural challenges, and the association is calling for the resolution of these issues,” ASMV said.
Many Moroccans are still desperately waiting for their chance to return to their country, with over 400 cases left in limbo, hampered by the mounting tensions between the two countries.
The Algerian authorities have also detained the bodies of six deceased Moroccans, two of which are girls from Morocco’s Oriental region, ASMV noted. The families of the deceased are still waiting to receive the bodies for burial in their home country.
The situation of the detainees has continued to worsen, as Morocco and Algeria have severed diplomatic relations, according to AMSV.
Despite the difficult situation the Association said it will continue to aid in the release of all Moroccans detained in Algeria, vowing to expose the “mafias and brokers profiting from the plight of families” and “take all legal measures to hold them accountable.”
“The association is working diligently, voluntarily, and within its limited means to assist families and advocate on their behalf to uncover the fate of the missing and secure the release of detained,” ASMV states.
The newly released individuals hailed from various cities including Fez, Meknes, Oujda, Azilal, Taza, Taounate, Ouarzazate, Demnate, El Jadida, Berrechid, Tangier and M’diq.