Sahrawi media organizations have strongly condemned what they describe as a Moroccan campaign of defamation and incitement targeting Sahrawi activists and journalists. The organizations stated they "strongly" (بشدة) denounced the "defamation and incitement" (التشهير والتحريض) campaign, which aims to silence those advocating for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. This campaign specifically targets Sahrawi activists and journalists who engage with international media to highlight their cause, presenting the Sahrawi narrative to a global audience. Sahrawi media characterized the effort as a "desperate attempt" (يائسة) to suppress free voices demanding freedom and independence for the Sahrawi people, particularly those working to expose the realities of the occupation.
Targeted Defamation Campaign
Equipe Media, a prominent organization operating in the occupied Sahrawi territories, condemned what it described as "escalating defamation and incitement" (التشهير والتحريض المتصاعدة) targeting Sahrawi activists. The organization stated that the campaign specifically targets Sahrawi activist and journalist Taleb Ali Salem. Moroccan occupation media outlets and figures associated with the Makhzen regime are reportedly involved in this campaign against Mr. Salem, utilizing various platforms to disseminate misleading information. Taleb Ali Salem indicated in a post that the campaign against him utilizes fabricated or AI-modified images to damage his image and reputation, a tactic designed to discredit his work and undermine his credibility. Equipe Media views personal defamation, incitement, and the creation of misleading content as a "dangerous development" (تطورا خطيرا) aimed at silencing Sahrawi voices across media and digital platforms. The organization also characterized these efforts as a "failure" (عجزا) and condemned "distortion, incitement, and targeting of individuals" (التشويه والتحريض واستهداف الأشخاص), emphasizing that such tactics are counterproductive.
Concerns and Warnings Issued
Equipe Media warned that continued campaigns of "escalating defamation and incitement" (التشهير والتحريض المتصاعدة) could threaten personal safety, potentially translating digital hate speech into real-world attacks or harassment. The organization characterized this as a "dangerous development" (تطورا خطيرا) that poses a significant risk to the well-being of activists and journalists. Equipe Media also called upon international organizations defending press freedom, freedom of expression, journalists, and human rights defenders to monitor and document the campaign, specifically noting the alarming use of AI-generated images for defamation and incitement. This call shows the need for global vigilance against new forms of digital repression. The Mizrat Media Network, also operating in the occupied Western Sahara, condemned what it described as misleading campaigns and fake news targeting the Sahrawi cause narrative and public opinion. The network also denounced the defamation and incitement directed at Sahrawi activist Taleb Ali Salem, viewing it as a "failure" (عجزا) and condemning "distortion, incitement, and targeting of individuals" (التشويه والتحريض واستهداف الأشخاص).
Unyielding Stance on Self-Determination
The Mizrat Media Network stated that these practices will not deter Sahrawi journalists from exposing what it termed "occupation crimes" or from defending the legitimate rights of the Sahrawi people, including their right to self-determination. The network emphasized that such campaigns only strengthen their resolve to continue their work. The network called for practical steps to counter media disinformation, specifically urging the identification of fake accounts promoting fabricated reports that support the Moroccan occupation's propaganda. Mizrat Media Network also advocated for an increase in content exposing the narratives propagated by the Moroccan occupation, aiming to present an accurate account of the situation to the international community.