Spain deports migrants from Ceuta in move criticised by rights group

Itália e Espanha levantam controles de fronteira após meses de tensão sobre Ceuta.

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Polícia marroquina intercepta migrante nadando de volta para Ceuta.

It was the first deportation of its kind since a mass border crossing into the territory from Morocco in July.

The Spanish Interior Ministry said on Tuesday that it had deported the migrants from Ceuta after their asylum applications were rejected, and that Morocco had agreed to receive them.

Organizações não governamentais (NGOs) informaram à agência de notícias Reuters que 16 pessoas de países africanos, do Oriente Médio e asiáticos foram deportadas.

About 80,000 people entered from Morocco over a 48-hour period in late July. At least 100 people died during the mass crossing into the autonomous city, which covers just 18.

5 square kilometres (7. 2sq miles) and has a population of about 80,000.

The crisis has evolved into a major political challenge for Sanchez, who is seeking re-election in snap polls scheduled for November 29.

Dezenas de milhares de manifestantes se reuniram em toda a Espanha nos últimos meses para denunciar a forma como o governo está lidando com a situação. Enquanto isso, partidos de direita têm usado a crise para atacar Sanchez.

The leader of the far-right Vox Party, Santiago Abascal, has branded the prime minister a “traitor”.

Amnesty International has warned that the human rights of those deported from Ceuta on Tuesday could be at risk.

No entanto, Madrid contesta as acusações do grupo de direitos humanos. Em comunicado, o Ministério do Interior informou à Reuters que a União Europeia considera o Marrocos um país seguro, acrescentando que as deportações são realizadas “com todas as salvaguardas necessárias”.

Most of those who entered Ceuta in late July left within days. However, about 8,000 migrants still remain. Some are sleeping on the streets, while others are being housed by Spain, charities and civil society groups.

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