Moroccan Journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui Summoned to Court After Complaint by Justice Minister
Moroccan Journalist Summoned to Court Following Complaint by Justice Minister
Hamid El Mahdaoui, a prominent Moroccan journalist and editor of the news website “Badil,” has been summoned to appear in court on September 9th, 2024. The summons comes after a complaint filed by Justice Minister Abdelatif Ouahbi, alleging defamation, libel, and public insult.
This case has sparked debate about freedom of the press in Morocco, a country navigating a complex relationship between free speech and government control. El Mahdaoui’s summons, issued shortly after a series of royal pardons, has been interpreted by some as a contradiction to the spirit of reform and reconciliation.
The summons cites articles 443, 444, and 447 of the Moroccan penal code, which address the spread of false information with the intent to defame and publicly insult individuals. El Mahdaoui, in a video statement released on Monday, revealed that the summons was issued on August 12th, immediately following the royal pardons. This timing has led some to question the government’s commitment to turning a new page and fostering a more open environment for media and expression.
This isn’t the first time Minister Ouahbi has taken legal action against journalists and bloggers. Notably, blogger and activist Reda El-Tawajni was sentenced to four years in prison before receiving a royal pardon. These cases highlight the ongoing tension between the Moroccan government and those who criticize it, raising concerns about the potential chilling effect on free speech and independent journalism.
The outcome of El Mahdaoui’s case remains to be seen. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and activists in Morocco and the ongoing struggle to uphold freedom of the press in the face of legal pressure.
