Spanish hospital confirms Brahim Ghali's entry using falsified documents

The Logrono Hospital in Spain has confirmed Polisario Leader, Brahim Ghali’s admittance into the hospital with falsified documents.

Spanish newspaper Vozpopuli reported that medical personnel at the hospital confirmed to the police on April 18 that Brahim Ghali was registered under the fictitious name of Mohammed Benbatouche.

Reports indicate that Ghali received his passport, which was issued on the same day, shortly after landing at Spain’s Zaragoza airbase in April.

The statement was included in a new police official letter incorporated into the summary of the open case for false documents.

As part of his November order, Judge Rafael Lasala instructed the Superior Police Headquarters to identify the employee of the Admission Service who registered the entry of the Polisario leader. The judge announced his objective was to take his statement as a witness, since until now they have not been able to make use of his testimony, and he considers it relevant to shed light on the matter.

The Judicial Police took the magistrate’s statement in judicial offices on December 14 after hearing his request. The administrative assistant, a native of Logrono, confirmed that she was the one who registered the entry of “Mohamed Benbatouche.”

Upon explanation, the employee explained that she used to serve as an admissions representative and that the passport bearing the fictitious identity had been given to her by Ghali’s companion, who signed the regulatory document.

“Only a black and white photocopy of the delivered passport was made;” according to the Spanish news outlet.

Following complications from COVID-19, Ghali went to Spain for hospitalization in April. Spain allowed Ghali to enter its territory under secrecy, stirring renewed tensions with Morocco.

In response to Spain’s move, Morocco emphasized that it was “against the spirit of cooperation and partnership.”

In response to the crisis, the Spanish government tried to minimize the situation by arguing that Ghali’s hospitalization in Spain was done for humanitarian reasons.

The Spanish government denied in May 2021 that Ghali used a false passport to gain entry to Spain. In the same month, Morocco summoned its ambassador to Madrid for consultations.

Spain has made efforts of reconciliation with Morocco following months of diplomatic tensions, highlighting Morocco’s importance as a “strategic partner” to Madrid.

King Felipe VI of Spain has also made recent remarks seeking restoration of normality in relations.

The King of Spain, Felipe VI, called for both nations to “walk together” and find urgent solutions to problems that concern both countries.