Kelthoum Ahmed Aabid El-Ouanat was arrested in 1992 following demonstrations calling for the independence of Western Sahara. She was held in secret detention for 10 months during which time she was allegedly tortured and sexually abused. Charged with threatening external security, Kelthoum was convicted and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. AI considers her to be a prisoner of conscience and calls for her release.
