Logo

Spain News Today

Spanish news in English

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Sahrawi activist freed after 14-day airport ordeal

Published: 2024-07-06

Youssef El Mahmoudi, a 23-year-old Sahrawi activist, has been released after being detained for 14 days at Bilbao Airport in Spain.

El Mahmoudi's asylum request was initially denied, prompting him to start a hunger strike.

His case gained attention when Spain's Minister of Youth and Children, Sira Rego, urged the Interior Ministry to grant him entry on humanitarian grounds.

A deportation attempt on Friday failed when an airline pilot refused to fly with El Mahmoudi on board, citing security concerns.

The activist was finally freed early Saturday morning, though his legal status in Spain remains uncertain.

This case has reignited discussions about Spain's treatment of Sahrawi asylum seekers.