AI denounces lack of access to Algeria and Tindouf camps

London - The London-based international human-rights organization Amnesty International (AI) has denounced the lack of access to Algeria, including to the Tindouf camps (southwestern Algeria), controlled by the Polisario separatists.

Malcolm Smart, director of AI's Middle East and North Africa Program, told MAP that the AI hopes to have the same access to Algeria as the one it finds in Morocco.

He noted that the Algerian government informed the organization that it cannot pay visit to the country because of its critical position over the situation in Algeria.

Smart voiced hope that the organization be able to have access to the whole Algerian territory, including Tindouf camps, to shed light on many human rights violations in Algeria.

If we are to compare Morocco and Algeria, we can clearly see differences in approaches. Morocco's approach has made it possible to make considerable accomplishments, he said, adding that they expressed these remarks to the Algerian authorities who have not accepted them.

Smart pointed out that the organization wishes to raise cases similar to that of Salma Ould Sidi Mouloud, who was kidnapped and detained by the separatists on the Algerian soil.

12/14/2010
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Source: Arab Maghreb Press Agency (MAP).
Link: http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/politics/ai_denounces_lack_of6665/view.