Spanish court rejects Polisario leader’s provisional custody

MADRID - Spain hopes for diplomatic relations with Morocco to return to normality in the "coming hours," the Spanish government spokeswoman said on Tuesday shortly after a court rejected provisional custody for Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali.

Spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero added that the government expects Ghali, who is currently receiving treatment for COVID-19 in a Spanish hospital, to return to where he came from once his health improves and wished him a speedy recovery.

Spain's High Court on Tuesday turned down on a prosecution request for Ghali to be taken into custody, saying the plaintiffs in a war crimes case have not provided evidence showing his responsibility.

Dozens of demonstrator protested against Ghali outside the High Court in Madrid, calling for the Ghali’s imprisonment.

Ghali and other Front leaders are accused by human rights groups and Western Sahara individuals of genocide, murder, terrorism, torture and disappearances, a court document said.

“Morocco and Spain need each other. It is imperative to repai diplomatic ties,” said Montero.

Meanwhile, a jet flying from Algeria to Logrono turned back after air controllers told it had no permission to enter the airspace, on instructions from the Spanish military, civil air authority Enaire said on Tuesday.

A spokesman for Enaire said the jet was flying from Algiers to the Spanish city of Logrono, where the small domestic airport is operated by Spanish state-controlled Aena.