Tazmamart Victims Granted Genetic Testing After 20-Year Wait
In a morocco-france-western-sahara-support-royal-message/” title=”King of Morocco Welcomes France's Official Support for Moroccan Sahara”>landmark decision, the National Human Rights Council of Morocco has approved genetic testing for victims of the notorious Tazmamart secret prison. This decision comes after a two-decade-long struggle by the Association of Victims of Tazmamart, who have tirelessly advocated for the right to identify and honor their loved ones.
Tazmamart, a secret prison located in the Moroccan desert, became a symbol of state-sponsored brutality during the “Years of Lead” under King Hassan II’s rule. From 1973 to 1991, political prisoners were held in inhumane conditions, subjected to torture, and often left to die in the prison’s harsh environment. The exact number of victims remains unknown, but estimates suggest that over 50 individuals perished within its walls.
For years, families of the disappeared have sought answers, demanding the right to locate and identify the remains of their loved ones. Genetic testing offers a glimmer of hope in this pursuit of truth and justice. By comparing DNA samples from surviving family members to potential remains, scientists can provide conclusive identification, bringing closure to decades of uncertainty and pain.
This decision marks a significant step towards acknowledging the atrocities committed at Tazmamart and providing a measure of solace to the families who have endured unimaginable suffering. It also underscores the growing global movement towards utilizing forensic science to address historical human rights violations.
The use of DNA technology in similar cases, such as identifying victims of Argentina’s “Dirty War” and the Rwandan genocide, has proven invaluable in providing closure and holding perpetrators accountable. The International Commission on Missing Persons, for example, has used DNA analysis to identify over 7,000 individuals from the Srebrenica massacre alone.
While the road to full accountability and reconciliation remains long, the decision to grant genetic testing to Tazmamart victims represents a crucial step in the right direction. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the victims’ families and a reminder that the pursuit of justice, though often delayed, must never be abandoned.
