So far the death toll has risen to 23, but official sources warned that the number may be higher as the search for victims goes on.

“Extreme brutality” and “disproportionate use of force” were the terms used to describe the event by the special envoy of the Algerian Government for Western Sahara and the Maghreb countries, Amar Belani, who called for an in-depth investigation by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

According to the diplomat, the methods used by the Rabat Police “are similar to summary executions.”

He also accused the Moroccan government of systematically violating human rights despite its role as “alleged champion of migration within the African Union and headquarters of the African Migration Observatory.”

Morocco exploits the ghost of immigration for the purpose of political blackmail, in reference to the recognition by the Spanish government of the sovereignty of the Alawite kingdom over Western Sahara on last April.

The decision provoked the wrath of Algeria, which earlier this month suspended the friendship treaty and froze trade with Madrid.

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