Copenhagen: Western Sahara Support Group Firebombed
Sahrawi Voice
Global Aktion Office Targeted in Arson Attack
On the night of January 12, 2025, the Copenhagen-based solidarity organization Global Aktion, known for supporting the liberation struggle against Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, was targeted in a politically motivated arson attack.
An incendiary device was thrown through a window of their premises, and the words “Marroco” and “Stop Support” were spray-painted on the street outside.
Fortunately, no one was injured, but the attack caused significant damage to their offices.
The police are treating the incident as arson and are actively investigating, including searching for fingerprints.
Morten Nielsen, Campaign Leader at Global Aktion, believes the attack is linked to their advocacy for an independent Western Sahara and support for the Polisario Front.
He expressed shock, noting that such politically motivated attacks are rare in Denmark, and emphasized the potential danger to the elderly residents living above their offices.
Since the attack, Global Aktion has received numerous messages of solidarity from various organizations, some offering alternative spaces for them to continue their work.
Nielsen expressed gratitude for the swift support, stating, “It’s wonderful that people have been so quick to reach out and offer their help.”
Global Aktion is a Danish organization that engages in international solidarity work, focusing on issues such as climate justice, anti-militarization, and support for liberation movements, including the struggle for an independent Western Sahara.
They have been active in campaigns against Denmark’s involvement in arms exports to conflict zones and have organized various protests and actions to raise awareness about global injustices.
The attack on their offices represents a serious escalation against activist organizations in Denmark, particularly those involved in international solidarity efforts.
The incident has been met with widespread condemnation from civil society groups, who view it as an attempt to intimidate and silence voices advocating for human rights and justice.
The police investigation is ongoing, and there is hope that the perpetrators will be identified and held accountable for this act of political violence.
In the meantime, Global Aktion remains committed to continuing their work, undeterred by the attack, and is exploring options to resume operations with the support of the broader activist community.
Copenhagen NGO Supporting Western Sahara Targeted in Firebomb Attack
Equipe Media
EL AAIUN- OCCUPIED WESTERN SAHARA—The offices of Danish NGO Global Aktion in Copenhagen were firebombed overnight on January 12, 2025, in a violent attack aimed at intimidating the organization`s support for the Sahrawi people`s struggle for self-determination. The perpetrators hurled Molotov cocktails at the building, causing damage but fortunately injuring no one. They also scrawled graffiti glorifying Morocco and opposing the NGO`s solidarity with Western Sahara on the walls of the building.
This attack is part of a broader campaign of hatred and intimidation targeting Sahrawi activists and their international supporters. In the occupied territories of Western Sahara, Moroccan occupying authorities have intensified their crackdown on activists and human rights defenders advocating for the Sahrawi people`s right to self-determination.
In October, our colleagues Ahmed Ettanji and Mohamed Mayara, were stopped, intimidated, and mistreated by Moroccan occupying authorities in Bojador. A month later, Mayara was brutally attacked by Moroccan agents in a clear attempt to silence his activism.
Additionally, Moroccan occupying authorities have consistently denied access to the occupied territories for hundreds of foreign journalists and observers. Many international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have been banned from entering Western Sahara due to their critical reports condemning Morocco’s illegal practices against the Sahrawi people.
Aziz Ghali, president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), has faced harassment for his defense of human rights and his support for the Sahrawi cause. Meanwhile, Ahmed Benchemsi, Communications Director for Human Rights Watch`s Middle East and North Africa division, made a bold statement to a Moroccan media outlet criticizing the limited freedom of speech in occupied Western Sahara and denouncing the systematic policies of the Moroccan occupying power.
Équipe Media has maintained a strong relationship and collaboration with Global Aktion over the years. The Sahrawi media group hosted and facilitated the visit of Global Aktion activists to the occupied territories, ensuring that the voices of the Sahrawi people reached international audiences. Équipe Media forcefully condemns this terrorist attack against the organization and expresses its full solidarity with Global Aktion during this difficult time.
Photo: View of firebombed Global Aktion office, Copenhagen. Source: Arbejderen.
| Themes |
| • Armed / ethnic conflict • Human rights • Indigenous peoples • International • People under occupation • Regional |
