Five years after the 2021 elections, Morocco's judicial system continues to serve as a tool of repression against critical journalists, with professional self-regulation processes stalled for three years. A new form of pressure, this time digital, has emerged alongside judicial procedures. In light of this disheartening record regarding press freedom, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges authorities to bring an end to this cycle of repression.
The Closure of Akhbar Al-Yaoum: A Catalyst for Judicial Harassment (2021)
In March 2021, the independent daily newspaper Akhbar Al-Yaoum ceased its operations after enduring years of pressure and legal battles against its director, Taoufik Bouachrine, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2019. That same year, its editor-in-chief, Soulaimane Raissouni, was imprisoned for five years on sexual assault charges without even being presented at the hearing. Additionally, investigative journalists Omar Radi and Imad Stitoui faced six years in prison amid allegations of espionage and rape. The phones of these three individuals were also targeted by the Pegasus spyware, highlighting the extent of surveillance and control exercised over those who dare to speak out.
Criminal Code: A Systematic Weapon Against Critical Journalism (2021-2026)
Over the past five years, the Criminal Code has increasingly been utilized as the main legal lever against critical journalists, rather than the Press Code. Following the confirmation of sentences for Omar Radi and Soulaimane Raissouni by the Court of Cassation in July 2023, this trend continues with the conviction of Hamid El Mahdaoui to 18 months of imprisonment on November 11, 2024. He faces five distinct judicial proceedings in 2025, all initiated by the same complainant, the Minister of Justice. Other journalists have faced similar fates, such as Hicham El Amrani from the Achkayen news site, who was prosecuted for
As reported by rsf.org.
