On Tuesday, the organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) made a strong appeal for the immediate release of Ali Lmrabet, an independent journalist of French-Moroccan descent, who has been detained in Morocco on accusations of disseminating false information. This incident has raised significant alarm regarding the ongoing suppression of journalistic freedom in the region.
In a statement, RSF expressed that the detention of Lmrabet is profoundly troubling, highlighting the broader implications of utilizing the judicial system as a tool to silence dissenting voices. The organization emphasized, “We demand his release,” underlining the crucial role of independent journalism in a healthy society. RSF further articulated that Lmrabet has devoted his professional life to the principles of journalism and the public’s right to information—values that Morocco has publicly vowed to uphold. They criticized the criminalization of journalistic activities, asserting that such actions represent a distortion of justice aimed at repression rather than lawful governance.
Lmrabet was apprehended on Sunday upon his arrival in Tangier and subsequently moved to Casablanca, where he faces multiple charges related to alleged defamation and insults stemming from his professional reporting. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares commented on the situation during a radio interview, stating, “I'm not aware of this case. I'll look into it,” in reference to the journalist's formal investigation.
The Moroccan Prosecutor’s Office has indicated that Lmrabet is under suspicion for offenses linked to the publication of digital content that purportedly includes defamatory and insulting remarks directed at various individuals and institutions, as well as derogatory comments aimed at legally recognized bodies.
RSF has pointed out that Lmrabet is a prominent figure in Morocco’s critical journalism landscape, having founded both Demain Magazine and Le Journal, both of which have faced bans within the country. His previous confrontations with the Moroccan authorities include a prison sentence in 2003 for publishing articles that were critical of the government, followed by a royal pardon in the subsequent year. However, in 2005, he faced a decade-long ban from practicing journalism in Morocco after being convicted of defamation.
Following these incidents, Lmrabet relocated to Barcelona, where he has continued his journalistic endeavors with various media outlets across Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. He also hosts a podcast that focuses on Moroccan political affairs. In 2008, Moroccan authorities attempted to prosecute him through Spanish and French legal systems, but those efforts were repeatedly dismissed. His unwavering commitment to press freedom earned him recognition as one of RSF’s “100 Information Heroes” in 2014.
Currently, Morocco holds the 105th position out of 180 nations in the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and the pressing need for reforms to ensure media freedom in the country.
As reported by telesurenglish.net.
