Prominent Sahrawi human rights activist Sultana Khaya has arrived safely in Spanish territory

Madrid, June 5 (RHC)-- Prominent Sahrawi human rights activist Sultana Khaya has arrived safely in Spanish territory, where she will receive medical treatment after more than 500 days of house arrest with her family in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara. 

Moroccan authorities have subjected Khaya to harassment, beatings and sexual assault.  They also reportedly contaminated her family’s water supply, destroyed furniture and property, and cut off electricity to the home. 

Sultana Khaya spoke to supporters who greeted her arrival at an airport in the Canary Islands.  “I send a message to the Spanish state that if it supports the autonomy plan for Western Sahara, it is supporting the rape of women, torture and illegal detention of the Sahrawi population.  Tell the Spanish government that it has already abandoned us 50 years ago, and we have suffered these savages.  We have continued to fight for our self-determination, and we are more than ready to continue to fight for our freedom.”