Morocco
Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, when Sultan Mohammed became king. He was succeeded in 1961 by his son, Hassan II, who ruled for 38 years. He reportedly played a prominent role in the search for peace in the Middle East, given the large number of Israeli’s of Moroccan origin, but was criticised by human rights groups for his suppression of opposition at home. In Morocco the King appoints the Prime Minister, who in turn chooses his government.
After the death of King Hassan II in 1999 he was succeeded by his son, who became King Mohammed VI and was seen as a moderniser who would press on towards establishing a constitutional monarchy. In a television address shortly after his father’s death the new monarch declared his commitment to consitutional monarchy, political pluralism, economic liberalism and human rights.
On 15 November 2002 King Mohammed VI restated his determination to strengthen press freedom, safeguard plurality of information and to guarantee the modernisation of a sector, which he described as "one of the pillars of our plan for a modernised, democratic society". However, local and foreign newspapers continue to be censored and journalists continue to be subjected to harassment, questioning and arrest. In fact, it was during the last few years of the reign of the late King Hassan II that the Moroccan press seemed to blossom with several independent newspapers eventually breaking taboos and exposing various scandals. It is this more recent outspokenness by journalists which is leading to their persecution.
In May of this year a new anti-terrorism press law was adopted in Morocco. The new legislation allows for prison sentences for some press offences. Article 41 of the law provides for between three to five years in jail for "any attack on Islam, the monarchy or territorial integrity". At present two journalists are in prison in connection with their professional work and two others have received prison sentences but are currently at liberty awaiting appeal whilst another has received a suspended prison sentence.
Compiled by Sara Birch, International PEN.
Sources include AI, Reporters without Borders and the BBC.