The fighter for self-determination Yahya Mohamed El Hafed Iaaza was arrested and unjustly sentenced to 15 years in prison by Morocco. He was released from prison on 1 March 2023 after serving his full sentence. The Saharawi community gave him a magnificent reception in Tan Tan, with numerous guests. Then came Moroccan reprisals against some of the participants.
Despite 15 years of suffering, Yahya has not lost an ounce of morale or courage. In his declarations to Equipe Media – reproduced on video – he continues to vindicate resistance to the no end, and is happy that it is assured in the next generation, referring to his son.
He speaks of values, which were instilled in him as a child, that he has never wavered in the face of the Moroccans.
He speaks of the absurd charges against him, of how he had to go on hunger strikes to have them dropped, at least managing, through pressure from international organisations, to have the accusation of spying for foreign parties – the Polisario – dropped, leaving in place the charges of common crimes, which were not true either.
He also went on hunger strike to be moved to another prison because of his asthma. His strikes were very hard: 20, 30, 40, 63 days. He was kept in isolation without medical supervision almost until the no end. In the no end his head would go, he would scream, he had visions.
He talks about support for the prisoners. We have to support the families so that they are strong and that the prisoners know that. Pressure against Morocco must come from all sides, also from the civilian prisoners, who must help each other (as he did). He mentions the imprisoned students and the Gdeim Izik group for whom he requests special support. The Saharawis must remain united and strengthen national unity.
He requests parents to make sure that their children go to school or it will be bad for them.
