On May 24, 2022, Issam Al-Husseini, a student from Mohamed 1 University’s Multidisciplinary Faculty campus, in Nador, was kidnapped and tortured, allegedly by members of another student organization.

The victim, a member of a student group known as “Justice and Charity,” was then taken to a remote location near the campus, where he was reportedly stripped, blindfolded, and beaten. The assailants reportedly threatened him for his “student activity,” which reports did not specify, before bringing him back to campus.

The student was hospitalized for his injuries. Police reportedly identified and apprehended two suspects.

Scholars at Risk is gravely concerned by the kidnapping and torture of a student, in apparent connection with their campus affiliations. State and university authorities should take reasonable steps to prevent and respond to such attacks, including by investigating and holding perpetrators responsible, in accordance with international human rights standards. Attacks on students for their membership in student organizations undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.alayam24.com/articles-372933.html
https://www.hespress.com/مطالب-بالتحقيق-في-اعتداء-على-طالب-996109.html
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