Abduction of Sahrawi Adoptee Sparks International Concern

In a shocking incident, Filleh mint Chahid mint Laaroussi, an 18-year-old Sahrawi girl adopted by a Spanish family at the age of 5, was abducted during her participation in the “Vacations in Peace” program.

The program, designed to reunite young Sahrawis in Spain with their biological families in the Tindouf camps, took a dark turn as Filleh became a victim of political manipulation.

On the orders of the Polisario, Filleh’s biological parents destroyed her travel documents, trapping her in the Tindouf camps against her will. Her Spanish adoptive family, deeply concerned for her safety, embarked on a mission to help her escape.

With the assistance of a compassionate local Sahrawi, Filleh managed to break free from the Tindouf camps, seeking refuge at the Spanish Consulate in Oran. As the international community became aware of her disappearance, a wave of protests and a media campaign ensued, prompting intervention from Algerian security forces.

Currently, Algerian security services are working to return Filleh to the Tindouf camps, facing resistance from both Filleh herself and her determined relatives. This alarming incident sheds light on a recurring issue, with several similar cases of young Sahrawi girls adopted by Spanish families being kidnapped or held captive by the Polisario after visiting their biological families in the Tindouf camps.

These cases not only violate the fundamental rights of young women but also underscore the broader human rights abuses occurring in the Tindouf camps. The international community remains vigilant, urging a swift resolution to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals caught in the midst of political turmoil.