The NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has welcomed the «historic» resolution of the European Parliament denouncing the deterioration of press freedom in Morocco, insofar as it breaks the «silence» that consists of exempting the Alawi kingdom from any observation.
«Better late than never,» said RSF Secretary General Christophe Deloire, whose NGO has been warning for years of the «intimidation and judicial harassment» of which Moroccan journalists are victims. Three of them are still being detained «arbitrarily».
The organization emphasizes the broad majority that has given the green light to the text –356 votes in favor, 32 against and 42 abstentions–, in which respect for freedom of expression and the media is demanded, the use of the ‘Pegasus’ spying program is denounced and «a fair trial» is also demanded for the imprisoned journalists: Omar Radi, Sulaiman Raisuni and Taufik Buachrine.
The resolution also incorporates an amendment noting the «deep concern at allegations that the Moroccan authorities have corrupted Members of the European Parliament» and calls for the same controls adopted for Qatar to be applied to Morocco.
Morocco is ranked 135th out of 180 countries in RSF’s World Press Freedom Index.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
