Morocco Denies RSF False Allegations about Alleged Violations of Press Freedom in Media Coverage of Al Hoceima Events

Allegations made by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) about alleged violations of press freedom in the media coverage of Al Hoceima events are ‘biased and lacking in credibility and proof," the Ministry of Culture and Communication said.

"National media as well as foreign media correspondents accredited in Morocco hold all the permits necessary to carry out their work under normal conditions, in accordance with the legal provisions and regulations governing and supervising the profession of journalism in Morocco," the ministry pointed out in a statement.

In this regard, the Ministry said that 89 foreign journalists accredited in Morocco have all the necessary permits to fulfill their missions under normal conditions across the country, adding that dozens of foreign media correspondants of different nationalities carried out their work in Al Hoceima and the neighboring regions.

Moreover, the source added, local authorities did not influence media reports made by local or foreign journalists on the situation in the city of Al Hoceima.

Only one person holding a professional press card was prosecuted in accordance with the law for "inciting people to commit offenses and calling them to take part in a prohibited demonstration", the ministry said.

MAP 14 August 2017