Report into Melilla deaths criticises ‘widespread use of unlawful force’

Amnesty accuses Morocco and Spain of also failing to offer first aid after crush in which at least 37 died

The widespread use of unlawful force" by Moroccan and Spanish authorities contributed to the deaths of at least 37 people who perished during a mass storming of the border fence between Morocco and Spain's north African enclave of Melilla in June, according to a report.

The Amnesty International report also accuses Moroccan and Spanish police of failing to provide even basic first aid to those injured in the crush as they were left in the full glare of the sun for up to eight hours". It says Moroccan authorities prioritised moving corpses and treating security officials above the needs of injured migrants and refugees.