Three journalists who were sentenced to years in prison after writing about corruption and abuse of power in Morocco were released Monday after receiving pardons from King Mohammed VI. The pardons were announced as Morocco prepared to celebrate its national holiday marking the 25th anniversary of when Mohammed VI ascended to the throne. Human rights activists applauded the pardons, but said the move didn't exonerate what they have called the politically motivated manner in which Moroccan authorities pursued and prosecuted the journalists. Awaiting the others — and democracy,” human rights activist Fouad Abdelmoumni wrote on Facebook, referencing that a number of dissidents remained behind bars in the North African kingdom. At the height of the Me Too movement, human rights groups said all allegations merited investigation but accused Morocco of weaponizing them to defame and intimidate its critics.

Source: Ethiopian News July 30, 2024 09:41 UTC