Laayoune (Occupied Territories), Dec 24, 2009 (SPS) - Western Sahara independence activist Aminatou Haidar said Moroccan police had surrounded her house and kept her under house arrest since her return to her homeland after a hunger strike in Spain, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
"The siege is continuing. I'm under house arrest. Family members and neighbours have problems visiting me. Shops in my neighbourhood are suffering from the siege," Aminatou told Reuters by telephone.
Reuters reporters travelled to Laayoune, Western Sahara's main city, to interview her at her home but security forces blocked access. Other journalists have also been prevented from meeting Haidar, Reuters further reported.
She vowed to step up her struggle for human rights in Western Sahara despite Moroccan repression, the source added.
Aminatou Haidar's hunger strike focused international attention on Western Sahara's dispute in a way rarely seen in the 35 years since Morocco annexed the territory after Spain pulled out, it pointed out.
"I have the courage of my conviction to carry on with the defense of the cause of self-determination of the Sahrawi people. I will never waver despite the threats of jail, abduction, torture and exile," Aminatou added.
"Morocco represses the Sahrawi population while it is negotiating with the Polisario Front."
Haidar has become of "symbol of a nation" for Sahrawis in Western Sahara as well as in refugee camps, the source denoted. (SPS)
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