Six Moroccan nationals remain imprisoned in Garowe, Somalia, more than a year after being sentenced to death and subsequently cleared of terrorism charges. Despite a definitive court ruling ordering their release and expulsion, the men are still held without explanation, fueling outrage among their families and human rights advocates.
Initially arrested in early 2024 in the Cal Miskaat mountains, a known Islamic State stronghold in Puntland, the men were accused of attempting to join terrorist groups.
A military court in Bosaso sentenced them to death by firing squad on March 2.
However, their convictions were overturned months later after it was determined they had been lured to Somalia by recruiters under the pretense of job offers.
In a voice message shared by Moroccan media, one of the detainees described the prison conditions as catastrophic, citing a lack of food, clean water, and severe psychological stress.
He insisted they had no ties to terrorism and had tried to surrender once they understood the nature of the region they had entered.
Although a final judgment declared their innocence and an expulsion order was issued with an 18-month deadline, no repatriation efforts have been undertaken.
Puntland officials say the delay stems from the absence of coordination with Moroccan authorities.
No official statement has been issued by Rabat, despite repeated appeals from the detainees’ families.
On May 19, the families filed a formal complaint with the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They condemned what they called consular neglect and warned that continued inaction could lead to tragedy. They maintain that their sons were victims of trafficking and not affiliated with any armed group.
The case has drawn further scrutiny after the same Puntland court announced the release of six former foreign Islamic State members on May 14, some of them possibly Moroccan. No clarification was provided regarding their identities, leaving the status of the detained men uncertain.
Observers have long criticized Puntland’s use of military courts for terrorism cases, citing concerns over due process and transparency. In 2023 alone, 23 executions were carried out by military authorities in Somalia.
Families of the six men are now calling for urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent further injustice. They are demanding immediate action to ensure the safe return of their sons before the expulsion deadline expires and their fate is sealed in silence.
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