On Saturday, August 15, 2026, Moroccan authorities issued an abrupt order for journalists from EFE and TVE to vacate the town of Fnideq, formerly known as Castillejos, located to the southwest of Ceuta. This directive was given without any formal explanation and came shortly after Moroccan security forces intervened to thwart an attempt by hundreds of migrants, predominantly from sub-Saharan Africa, to breach the border into Spain. During this incident, riot police employed tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.

Concerns Raised Over Press Freedom

In a statement, Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) expressed its strong disapproval of the Moroccan authorities' decision, emphasizing that the order was executed without any formal justification. The organization highlighted that their journalists were in the region to provide rigorous and public interest coverage regarding the movements and social conditions along the Ceuta border. RTVE President José Pablo López articulated that the expulsion of their professionals from the area represents a significant obstruction to press freedom and the right to information. He called on Moroccan authorities to ensure full guarantees and the utmost respect so that their journalists can perform their duties freely in any border vicinity.

During the coverage of these events, Youssef Hajji, the local representative of the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, informed the EFE correspondent of the directive. When pressed for an explanation, Hajji simply stated he was “following instructions.” The same order was communicated to the TVE crew, and Hajji warned the Spanish journalists that their professional accreditations and equipment could be confiscated if they did not leave Fnideq.

EFE has attempted to reach out to the Moroccan Ministry of Interior for clarification regarding the expulsion but has yet to receive a response. They also contacted the director of communication at the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, who stated that efforts are underway to clarify the situation.

As reported by lavanguardia.com.