ITF visit in support of jailed unionist in Morocco

ITF visit in support of jailed unionist in Morocco

http://www.itfglobal.org/news-online/index.cfm/newsdetail/7663

26 July 2012

An ITF delegation is visiting Morocco to show solidarity with detained unionist Said Elhairech and to demand his immediate release.

Elhairech, general secretary of the National Union of Dockers and ITF Arab World representative on the ITF dockers’ section committee, was arrested after assisting ships’ crews who were left stranded following Comarit-Comanav ferry company’s cessation of operations.

Frank Leys, ITF dockers’ section secretary, and from Tunisia Mukhtar Hili, ITF executive board member, are hoping to visit Elhairech in Rabat.

Elhairech, following a meeting with Mohamed Akdime, a lawyer appointed by the ITF, agreed to postpone a hunger strike that he had pledged to undertake next week. The lawyer in the meantime has made a submission for the provisional release of Elhairech stating that the case against him has no grounds. The judge responsible for the investigation is calling in further witnesses and has therefore postponed a judicial hearing, which was due to take place this week.

Leys and Hili are working with Meiloudi Mukhareq, general secretary of the national union centre Union Marocaine Du Travail (UMT) to whom the National Union of Dockers is affiliated.

Leys said that despite his more than 40-day imprisonment “on ridiculous and politically motivated charges”, Elhairech’s morale and health were reported to be good. The delegation hoped to be allowed to see him at the prison later today.

He expressed frustration over the postponement of Elhairech’s judicial hearing. Calling for his immediate release, he said that everything was being done to persuade the government to see justice done.

”We are very appreciative of the role the ITF’s Arab World region has played in mounting this campaign to free Said and hope that the global trade union family will soon be able to celebrate his release,” he said.

He added: “At all times, the UMT has been clear that it welcomes foreign companies investing in Morocco as long as working conditions, freedom of association and collective bargaining do not suffer as a result.”