Ceuta migrant surge investigated by Spanish court

Spain's top criminal court opened an investigation on Monday, September 7, into July's deadly migrant surge into Ceuta, examining alleged criminal conduct abroad and claims that Moroccan security forces facilitated the crossings.

More than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African territory on July 30 and 31. The rush left scores dead, most by drowning as they tried to swim around a breakwater.

The Audiencia Nacional ruled that it was competent to investigate because the influx involved “criminal conduct that was allegedly committed abroad” and had seriously attacked Spain's territorial integrity.

Investigating judge Maria Tardon wrote that the mass movement amounted to a method of “hybrid warfare” or the “grey zone” aimed at altering life and rights in Ceuta. She based the decision on a Spanish police report that described “total permissiveness” by Moroccan security forces.

Tardon said Moroccan security forces made “no serious attempt” to stop the surge and that some gave “active guidance” on how to cross into Ceuta. She also pointed to possible manslaughter and crimes against the rights of foreign citizens over the deaths.

Moroccan authorities have not reacted to the Spanish police report. Moroccan media have criticised the document as botched and lacking material evidence.

Spain's leftist government says there is no solid proof that Morocco planned the surge. Morocco has claimed sovereignty over Ceuta and Spain's other North African territory of Melilla since gaining independence in 1956.

Most of the migrants who entered Ceuta have returned to Morocco, but thousands remain in the city in often dire living conditions, increasing tensions and creating a political storm for Spain's government.