Two Moroccan Magazines Seized
Two magazines, one French language, Tel Quel and Arabic, Nichane were seized last Saturday by the Minister of the Interior. The magazines allegedly published articles said to be disrespectful to King Mohammed VI, offensive to Islam and against public morality. The director of the magazines, Ahmed Reda Benchemsi, was questioned by the police. In a press release, the Prime Minister’s office said that the government respects the judgments and decisions of the justice system and independence of the judiciary.This new case comes when Parliament is considering a new Press Code in which the government gives the press more freedoms.
Earlier in the year, two journalists, Driss Ksikes and Sanaa Al Aji, were given suspended sentences for publishing an article about Moroccan jokes on subjects considered to be harmful to Islam. This brought condemnation brought on a wave of protests by several national and international NGO’s saying that it was an abuse of freedom of speech and press. It was considered a step backward in the achievements of such freedoms in Morocco. Two journalists for Arabic language weekly Al-Watan A-an are facing charges of having possession of stolen documents and publishing a confidential internal security document. Others, including two colonels and eight members of the military are facing charges of disclosure professional secrecy.
Islam, the Royal family, and Moroccan Sahara are subjects that are considered sacred issues and should not be treated lightly or with disrespect by the public or the press.
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