Morocco's own "free speech" debate?

Islamic countries have been quick to point out that they support free speech and it is only religious insensitivity that they object to. If the situation in regard to the offensive cartoons was not so dire, the irony surrounding Morocco's own free speech debate would be even more delicious. At least it can be hoped that the irony is not lost on those who patrol the Moroccan media.

The unease about the way authorities have handled ( or misshandled ) the Tel Quel debacle has been simmering for a long time now and for those of you who are not up to speed on the issue, then check out our earlier stories (linked below). But in brief - Morocco's most popular weekly - TelQuel magazine - overstepped the mark with a couple of its articles and should at most been slapped over the wrist - instead the courts handed down sentences and fines so markedly dissproportionate that the average Moroccan's eyebrows reached new heights.

Thankfully the courts seem to have realised that they went way too far and slowly but surely they are reducing the fines and suspending the jail sentences. In the latest move the Casablanca Appellate Court has reduced the fine against TelQuel weekly from 99,000 USD to USD 55,000.


The court, however, maintained a USD 1,100 fine against TelQuel on a defamation charge.

The editor, Ahmed Reda Benchemsi and journalist Karim Boukhari had been ordered last December to pay a fine USD 1,100 and USD 88,000 as indemnity to the plaintiff.

The weekly published in its issue N°184 an article criticizing a deputy from the "Middle Atlas" mountain, giving her the name of Asmaa "to avoid being accused of defamation," according to the complainant lawyer, Mohamed Jaouhari.

LINKS:

Call for press freedom

TelQuel Campaign

Tags: Morocco, Fes, Maghreb, news