The National Union of Moroccan Journalists in the Marrakech-Safi region has publicly distanced itself from the actions of individuals claiming to represent the media community in their demands for benefits such as the 'Eid sacrifice.' This declaration emphasizes that such claims are entirely disconnected from the principles of professional journalism and ethical standards.
This stance emerged following the publication of an article discussing the alleged benefits for those referred to as 'media correspondents' in relation to the Eid sacrifice, which sparked significant outrage within journalistic circles in the region. The union condemned the article for spreading harmful generalizations that directly tarnish the image of professional journalists in society, portraying them as beggars or those seeking alms.
Abdelwahid Talbi, the newly elected head of the regional branch of the National Union of Moroccan Journalists, asserted that the mentioned article does not represent professional journalists or reflect the realities of those working in the sector. He emphasized that journalism is a legally regulated profession, with its own representative institutions and legal and organizational mechanisms designed to defend rights and uphold professional dignity.
Talbi characterized associating journalists with requests for 'Eid sacrifice' from authorities as an 'unacceptable insult' and a blatant defamation of the media community. He stressed the need to put an end to such behaviors that harm the ethics of the profession and deeply undermine its credibility.
Furthermore, he issued a direct call to the Wali of the Marrakech-Safi region to investigate and verify the identities of anyone presenting themselves as journalists or media representatives seeking privileges or assistance without legal backing or clear representative status. Talbi demanded that the law be enforced against anyone impersonating a journalist or speaking on behalf of the sector outside of recognized professional institutions.
The union, according to statements from its regional office, threatened to pursue legal and judicial measures against anyone who damages the reputation of journalists or defames the press and media sector. They reaffirmed their right to legal action against anyone attempting to link the journalistic community with practices such as begging, exploitation, or extortion.
This controversy arises just days after the election of a new regional office for the National Union of Moroccan Journalists in the Marrakech-Safi region, during a general assembly chaired by union president Abdelkabir Khashich, attended by executive office members and about sixty professional journalists holding cards from the National Press Council. Abdulwahid Talbi was unanimously elected as the head of the new regional branch.
With this assertive position, the union appears determined to confront any actions it perceives as detrimental to the reputation of professional journalism in the region, sending a clear message that the dignity of journalists is not a matter for exploitation or defamation.
As reported by bladna24.ma.
