On 4th August six Saharawi students were on their way to attend British Council sponsered EU Youth in Action workshop from 5th – 18th August in St Edward’s School, Oxford. They were prevented from boarding their plane to London in Agadir by Moroccan authorities. They staged a protest they were arrested and beaten by police. Thanks to swift action by campaigners including Amnesty International they were released. However, the Oxford Six students are still facing very real danger and two have experienced an horrific ordeal at the hands of the police. Ms Nguia Haouassi (19) was picked up in a car, beaten, stripped naked and theatened with rape in a 5 hour ordeal. Last Thursday Mr Razouk Choummad (20) was also abducted and tortured for five hours by police.

We will be lighting 6 floating candles and setting them off along the canal at Camden Lock in a symbollic gesture of solidarity with the Oxford Six and a recognition that our government (that arranged their visit to the UK) has a responsibility to ensure their safety.

The vigil will take place at 9pm. From 7pm until 11pm there will be an arts/music/cultural event for Western Sahara in the Inspiral Lounge, 250 Camden High Street. All welcome.