Migrants in Ceuta Allege Abuse Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Migrants arriving in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta speak of fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries, with some alleging mistreatment by Spanish soldiers.
Migrants gathered in a sprawling tent camp in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, have spoken out about their motivations for seeking refuge and shared allegations of abuse. Many came in search of better economic opportunities, while others fled war, violence, or discrimination based on gender or sexuality.
A Moroccan migrant, speaking anonymously out of fear for his safety, recounted an incident where he alleges Spanish soldiers tied his head to a tree and beat him. He stated that he and another migrant were ordered to follow soldiers who then put them in a car trunk, drove them to a forest, and taped their mouths shut before assaulting them. The migrant showed injuries he said required staples and expressed a desire for accountability.
Spanish prosecutors are investigating reports of torture and mistreatment of migrants in Ceuta, including minors. Amnesty International released a report in September detailing similar allegations of inhumane treatment by Spanish soldiers.
A transgender teenager who swam to Ceuta in July described leaving Morocco due to societal intolerance towards his gender identity. He spent nearly two months at the beachside camp after being rejected by extended family. Spain's asylum law acknowledges gender identity and sexual orientation as grounds for protection, with cases assessed individually.
Another individual seeking asylum fled Morocco after his brother threatened to report him to the police for being gay. Consensual same-sex relations are illegal in Morocco and can result in imprisonment. This individual stated that he left Morocco because of the difficulties of being gay.
A 28-year-old asylum seeker also reported receiving death threats for criticizing Islam online. He claims he was kidnapped in Marrakech by a follower. While the Associated Press could not independently verify these specific claims, they reviewed a copy of his asylum paperwork detailing these events to Spanish authorities. Public criticism of Islam in Morocco can lead to prosecution and prison sentences.
The migrant who reported the alleged assault by soldiers arrived in Ceuta in September. The transgender teen arrived in July and returned to Morocco in early October after authorities cleared the camp. The asylum seeker critical of Islam also crossed into Ceuta in July, describing his initial week as "pure survival."