AFAPREDESA
The Association for the Families of Saharawi Prisoners and the Disappeared
Swedish journalist arrested in El-Ayoune
By: The Sahrawi Association of Victims of Grave Human Rights Violations Committed by the Moroccan State
19 February
2007
Today the Moroccan occupational authorities have arrested a Swedish journalist Lars Bjork, who was visiting Western Sahara for his work. ASVDH has been informed that the journalist is accused by the Moroccan authorities of inciting the Sahrawis to demonstrate and of having bad intentions. The Moroccan authorities have threatened him with expulsion from Western Sahara and, even worse, to charge him as if he was like an Al-Qaida sympathizer.
Moroccan authorities have threatened Mr Lars Bjork on several ocasions during his visits since the outbreak of demonstrations in May 2005. This arrest reinforces Morocco's longstanding media blackout in the territory.
We will provide an update on this arrest when we have more information.
[Latest update by the Norwegian Support Committee for Western Sahara at 02.00 GMT: according to well- informed Swedish sources Mr. Bjork was released from police custody at approximately 01.00 GMT, some five hours after his arrest. Mr. Bjork's passport, press accreditation and camera have been confiscated by the police and he was informed by Moroccan police that he will be further interrogated in the morning, before being deported.]