Tilelli, Still Persecuted

In a previous issue of the Amazigh Voice, we brought you the story of the ordeal of the seven teachers --members of the association Tilelli-- who were arrested in Goulmima (Morocco) last year, following May Day demonstrations during which people displayed banners asking for the recognition of Tamazight as an official language. Four of the seven were released on May 17th and the other three were given jail sentences of up to two years. Following the considerable outcry and protest of many human rights organizations and Amazigh cultural movements and associations within Morocco and around the world, and also the incredible number of attorneys (400) that volunteered to defend them, they were freed soon after their trials.

A few months later, the Moroccan government announced in its Royal discourse of August 20th, 1994 its decision to institutionalize Tamazight and begin its teaching this year. Moreover, towards the end of last year, ACAA learned that Tilelli had finally been rehabilitated. We were very pleased then with what appeared to be a favorable step towards the recognition of Tamazight in Morocco. We note with consternation, however, that to this day none of the promises made have seen any materialization or follow-up. ACAA has recently learned that last September three of the seven who received the most severe sentences were arbitrarily suspended by the Secretary of Education and are waiting to appear before a disciplinary board.

We at ACAA are very concerned about the situation of these Amazigh activists and stand fully behind the activities of Tilelli and its leadership. We believe that these activists and teachers are an invaluable asset to not only the Amazigh culture but also to the education of both Amazighophone and Arabophone Moroccan youth; hence they ought to be reinstated unconditionally. We call upon the sympathizers of the Amazigh cause and all human rights organizations to act to protect the rights of these teachers. We are publishing below a translated version of their original communique.

COMMUNIQUE

We, Ali Harcheras, Ali Ikken, and Mbarek Taous, militants of the Amazigh Cultural Movement and members of the Cultural Association Tilelli in Goulmima (Morocco), who were:

Arrested after taking part in the demonstrations that took place in Errachidia on May 1st, 1994,
Released on July 3rd, 1994 because of our innocence and thanks to the mobilization of the people, national and international human rights organizations, and support committees inside the country as well as outside,
Officially recognized as former political prisoners,
Pardoned by the Royal Grace more than eight months ago,

make known to the national, North African, and international public opinion that:

We are no longer employed as teachers since the beginning of the 1994/1995 school year. The Department of Education has found it necessary to suspend us, although we have been pardoned,
The Department of Education has informed us that it will summon us to appear before a disciplinary board,
Since the date of our suspension until that of the writing of this communique', we have not received any summons from the Department of Education,

Therefore, we do not consider our suspension an ordinary administrative procedure, but an abuse of power, a malevolent action that undermines our legitimate rights, and a contemptuous attitude towards all the militants of the Amazigh cause and human rights. We renew our attachment to the principles of the Amazigh Cultural Movement and remind the authorities that we will continue to work to promote the Amazigh culture and struggle for the recognition of Tamazight as an official language, independently of our status.

Goulmima, February 21st, 1995.

Signed:

Harcheras Ali
Ikken Ali
Taous Mbarek