LONDON – More than 70,000 have signed a petition in support of two Moroccan men arrested under the country’s anti-gay law after being brutally attacked in their own home. The petition was delivered Friday to Morocco’s Minister of Justice, urging him to release both men immediately, to properly investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The petition is part of a campaign launched by All Out, an international movement for LGBT rights, in partnership with Moroccan organizations Aswat Collectif and Akaliyat.
“We believe that love is a human right. Being gay should not be a crime in Morocco or anywhere. All Out and our members will continue to fight until no one, anywhere, has to to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love”, said Matt Beard, executive director of All Out. “This case is a tragic reminder that discriminatory laws have real consequences. These innocent men were violently attacked in their own home without provocation and thrown naked onto the street. It is those responsible for the attack who should be the only focus of the Moroccan authorities.We will continue to work with our partners in Morocco to increase pressure until both innocent men are free.”
The campaign also urged Moroccan authorities to free all other prisoners convicted because of their sexual orientation, to abolish article 489 of the Moroccan penal code, and to guarantee and protect civil liberties and the right to privacy of all of their citizens.
The two men were arrested March 25, after being attacked and stabbed in their own home. The attackers recorded the assault and published the video on social media channels. Instead of investigating the attack properly, authorities accused the victims of being gay, which is illegal in Morocco. March 15, one of the two victims was sentenced to four months in prison and a fine. The second victim will go to court Monday, April 11.
To see the live signature totals from All Out’s petition visit: go.allout.org/en/a/morocco-
they’ve been released ! check the news