Several Moroccan families are living in fear and heartbreak, after discovering that their sons are detained in Somali prisons — some even facing death sentences.
The young men, according to their families, were deceived by suspicious networks that lured them with promises of high-paying jobs abroad, only to find themselves accused of terrorism in a foreign land.
“Our Sons Are Victims, Not Terrorists”
In an emotional plea, Mohamed El Hmine, father of one of the detainees in Somali prisons, called on King Mohammed VI and Moroccan authorities for urgent intervention to save his son and six other young men. “Our sons were tricked and exploited.
They are victims of fraud, not terrorists,” he said.
“My son was working to support his children and help our entire family. He left without telling me because he was promised a good salary.
As soon as they arrived, their documents were confiscated, they were exploited, and then arrested.
Now they’re facing erious charges they had nothing to do with.”
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Tricked by Job Offers, Trapped by ISIS, Then Labeled Terrorists
According to the families, the Moroccan youth were misled by false job offers in fishing or manual labor sectors.
Once abroad, they unknowingly ended up in areas controlled by ISIS.
After realizing the danger, they voluntarily surrendered to Somali authorities — hoping for protection.
Instead, they were met with accusations of terrorism.
Some were sentenced to death, though later acquitted, family members say.
Yet, 18 months later, they remain in Somali prisons, awaiting repatriation or release.
Inhumane Conditions in Somali Prisons
Robha Brikh, sister of one of the detainees, broke down in tears during her interview.
“My brother left to work.
We thought he would return quickly.
Months later, he told us he was scammed and had turned himself in.
Even after his innocence was proven, he’s still locked up.”
She added: “He has two children and a wife waiting.
He told us they’re given only 3 liters of water a day for drinking and washing.
The food is barely edible.
We just want our country to bring them home — they’re not criminals, they were deceived.”
Urgent Appeals to the Moroccan King and Government
All the families echo the same demand: immediate action from the Moroccan government and King Mohammed VI to secure the release and repatriation of these young men.
If necessary, they are willing to see them tried under Moroccan law — but not left to suffer and possibly die unjustly in Somali prisons.
“They were misled.
If they made a mistake, let them face justice here, not die in silence overseas,” Mohamed El Hmine concluded.
“We beg for mercy and quick intervention before it’s too late.”
