Morocco's King Mohammed VI Pardons Detained Journalists to Mark 25th Anniversary on the Throne

In Summary

• Morocco's King Mohammed VI pardoned three journalists and a historian as part of his 25th-anniversary celebrations.
• Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raissouni, and Taoufik Bouachrine, who were imprisoned on charges they denied, were among those pardoned.
• Rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch, criticized Morocco for using criminal trials to silence journalists.
• Morocco ranks 129th out of 180 countries on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.

Rabat, Morocco – In a significant gesture marking his 25th anniversary on the throne, Morocco's King Mohammed VI has pardoned three prominent journalists who had been detained for years, alongside hundreds of other prisoners. The royal pardon was announced on Monday, bringing relief to the families and supporters of those incarcerated.

The journalists—Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raissouni, and Taoufik Bouachrine—were among the 2,476 people granted clemency. Radi and Raissouni, who had been in custody since 2021, were convicted on charges of sexual assault, allegations they have consistently denied. Historian and human rights advocate Maati Monjib was also among those pardoned.

The decision to pardon these individuals comes after sustained criticism from international rights organizations. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Human Rights Watch have been vocal in condemning the imprisonment of these journalists, arguing that Morocco has been using criminal trials, particularly those involving alleged sexual offenses, as a means to suppress dissent and silence critical voices.

Human Rights Watch has accused the Moroccan authorities of employing these legal strategies to target journalists and government critics, labeling them as "techniques of repression." The release of these journalists is seen as a response to mounting pressure from both domestic and international rights groups.

Despite the pardons, Morocco's record on press freedom remains concerning. The country ranks 129th out of 180 nations on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and media outlets in the country.

The release of these journalists is a significant development in Morocco's media landscape, but it also highlights the broader issues of press freedom and human rights that persist in the country. As Morocco celebrates the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's reign, the royal pardon is a reminder of the complex dynamics between governance, human rights, and freedom of expression in the kingdom.