In a surprising turn of events, Moroccan authorities have ordered journalists from TVE and the EFE news agency to vacate Fnideq (also known as Castillejos) earlier this afternoon. These reporters were on the ground to cover the unfolding situation at the border with Ceuta, specifically witnessing the deployment of Moroccan riot police to disperse a crowd of migrants attempting to reach the border. The situation escalated as local authorities, reportedly linked to the Ministry of the Interior, instructed the journalists to leave the area, citing safety concerns.
During a live connection on the evening news, Arantxa Marculeta, the correspondent in Rabat, recounted the challenges faced by the team. "We have seen over 140 individuals detained. Unfortunately, we were unable to film the operation because local authorities demanded our departure from the scene. We were collaborating with both Moroccan and Spanish press, including EFE," she explained. Marculeta further shared that they were restricted from using their TVE camera anywhere in Castillejos and were advised that any failure to comply could result in the loss of their press credentials, which are essential for their work in Morocco. Additionally, they were warned that their footage could be confiscated.
Approximately three hours after the initial order, the team had no choice but to leave the area, concluding their coverage after three days of reporting. "We ultimately have to leave Castillejos. We waited in the hotel for a resolution, but since that did not occur, we must depart," the journalist stated around seven in the evening.
The EFE correspondent was also expelled, receiving an immediate order from Youssef Hajji, a local representative of the Ministry of the Interior, to leave without further explanation. This official merely indicated that he was following orders, while also conveying the same directive to the TVE team.
As of now, EFE has reached out to the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior for clarification but has yet to receive a response. They have also contacted the Director of Communication at the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, who stated that efforts are being made to clarify the situation.
In related news, Moroccan security forces intercepted 148 migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, as they attempted to cross irregularly from Fnideq to Ceuta. This operation took place amid heightened tensions, with Moroccan forces employing helicopters, drones, police dogs, and tear gas to manage the crowd. Of the 148 individuals apprehended, 128 hailed from sub-Saharan countries, while 20 were Moroccan nationals, according to security sources.
As reported by rtve.es.
