Amnesty: 5 journalists denied rights

Morocco has been accused of denying imprisoned academics and journalists access to read and write, which violates their fundamental right to freedom of expression. This alarming trend has been highlighted in a report by Amnesty International, which details the harsh conditions faced by those who have been detained for speaking out against the government or reporting on sensitive issues.

The report notes that Moroccan authorities have increasingly used anti-terrorism laws to crack down on dissent, leading to the imprisonment of many academics and journalists. Many of these individuals have been held in isolation for months or even years, without access to books, newspapers, or writing materials. This denial of basic human rights not only violates international law but also hinders their ability to mount a legal defense or prepare for release.

The report highlighted the treatment of journalists and academics who have been imprisoned for speaking out against the government or reporting on sensitive issues. Five journalists in particular have been cited in a recent report by Amnesty International for their continued imprisonment under harsh conditions.

Ali Anouzla is a prominent journalist and editor of the independent news website Lakome. He was arrested in 2013 after publishing an article that linked to a video produced by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Anouzla was charged with “defending terrorism” and spent more than a month in solitary confinement. He has since been released, but he continues to face restrictions on his freedom of movement and expression.

Soulaimane Raissouni is a journalist who has been critical of the Moroccan government’s human rights record. He was arrested in May 2020 on charges of “indecent assault” and “undermining state security.” His arrest has been widely condemned by human rights organizations, who believe that the charges against him are politically motivated. Raissouni remains in pre-trial detention, and his health has reportedly deteriorated due to the poor conditions in prison.

Omar Radi is a journalist and human rights activist who has been critical of the Moroccan government’s handling of protests in the Rif region. He was arrested in July 2020 on charges of “undermining state security” and “receiving foreign funding to harm the internal security of the state.” Radi has been denied access to a lawyer and has reportedly been subjected to torture and mistreatment in prison.

Maati Monjib is a historian and journalist who has been critical of the Moroccan government’s human rights record. He was arrested in December 2020 on charges of “undermining state security” and “receiving foreign funding to harm the internal security of the state.” Monjib has been denied access to a lawyer and has gone on hunger strike to protest his detention.

Imad Stitou is a journalist who has been critical of the Moroccan government’s handling of protests in the Rif region. He was arrested in June 2018 on charges of “undermining state security” and “defending terrorism.” Stitou has been denied access to a lawyer and has reportedly been subjected to torture and mistreatment in prison.