Myanmar case detainees await interrogation as families demand psychological support for victims

Four individuals suspected of involvement in the case of Moroccan citizens detained in Myanmar are expected to undergo detailed questioning in October over the allegations against them, according to Hespress sources.

The defense attorney for one of the suspects says “the legal process depends on appointing a judge and scheduling a detailed questioning session before proceeding with their trial based on available evidence.”

They noted that “these individuals were arrested for questioning over charges of organizing illegal migration, human trafficking, torture, detention, and recruitment, with the court set to decide on the matter.”

For context, four individuals are being prosecuted in this case, with three arrested under a nationwide search warrant upon their arrival in the country to face charges, while the fourth was initially charged while at large before being apprehended and detained in Casablanca, according to multiple sources following the case.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates recently detailed its efforts to free Moroccans detained in Thailand, confirming the release of around 34 individuals from criminal networks. The ministry covered airfare for 26 of them and, in some cases, provided hotel accommodations while they awaited their return procedures.

In response to a parliamentary question, the ministry stated that it coordinated with the Moroccan Embassy in Thailand to provide financial and administrative assistance for the return of five citizens detained in Cambodia, raising the total to 39 Moroccan nationals, and emphasized its commitment to promptly address any reports of new potential victims.

The families of the victims are still feeling the impact of this case freed from the grip of criminal gangs, as they hold onto hopes for justice and fairness for both themselves and the victims. A member of one affected family said, “we are determined to pursue legal action to seek justice.”

In a statement to Hespress Ar, the families of the victims are expressing concern about “the lack of institutional support for those returning from hell, as they haven’t received any assistance, especially regarding access to psychological treatment and sessions with specialists to help them cope with the trauma of their experiences with torture and abuse.”

The same source revealed that “some families have had to take it upon themselves to arrange therapy sessions, even though it should have been the state’s responsibility to help these victims heal and reintegrate into society.” They also praised “the efforts outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding its interventions in this case.”

A member of the families’ coordination committee for those detained in Myanmar stated that “the families are closely monitoring developments and rely on the judiciary to restore their rights, as their loved ones fell victim to individuals who lured them with false job offers,” adding that there seems to be less communication among families on this issue compared to before.

The sister of one of the returnees told Hespress, “we support the prosecution of those arrested to determine their involvement, if any. Justice should take its course, especially since we’re talking about serious charges related to human trafficking.”

She added, “we had high hopes that our loved ones returning from there would receive support from the state and its services, especially for their mental health, but unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.”