The investigation is closed due to lack of evidence of crime
The Moroccan Prosecutor’s Office has decided to close the investigation into the tragedy that took place on June 24, 2022 at the Melilla border. According to official figures, at least 23 migrants lost their lives in this tragic incident, although Amnesty International puts the number at one hundred. The decision to archive is based on the absence of evidence of crime (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).
It is concluded that there was a proportionate use of force
Both the Moroccan Prosecutor’s Office and the Spanish Prosecutor’s Office have reached the same conclusion: there is no evidence of a crime on the part of the Moroccan and Spanish authorities in this episode. According to the sources of the Moroccan Public Ministry, the investigation finds that there was a “proportionate use of force” by the Moroccan agents (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).
Different opinions on the legality of hot returns
The conclusion of the Prosecutor’s Office contrasts with the opinion of the Ombudsman, who considers that the 470 hot returns that occurred that day were illegal according to Spanish and European legislation. In addition, Amnesty International denounces the “impunity” of the authorities responsible for the “massacre” and maintains that the migrants were appeased by the Moroccan and Spanish police, some of them dying in an avalanche. Later, many of them were taken by force and abandoned in remote areas of Morocco (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).
The Minister of the Interior defends the actions of the Spanish authorities
The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, refers to the investigation carried out by the Attorney General of the State, which concluded that there had been no responsibility on the part of any Spanish authority. According to the minister, the action of the Spanish authorities was proportionate and within the regularity, giving an adequate response to the massive attack on the Spanish border (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/ ).
Tribute to the victims on the second anniversary
On the second anniversary of the tragedy, several associations have paid tribute to the victims. Flowers have been placed on the Melilla border fence, remembering the events that happened that fateful day. This event was attended by representatives of different associations and it was urged to keep the memory of that tragedy alive and to work collectively to prevent these events from happening again (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura -catalan-text/).
Concentration to remember the victims
In addition to the tribute, a rally has also been held in the center of Melilla to remember the victims. A group of people, including users of the Temporary Immigrant Residence Center (CETI), have shown their support and asked that there be no more deaths on the southern border.
