Introduction
In recent years, Morocco has faced mounting international criticism over the suppression of freedom of expression and the tightening of restrictions on independent media. Despite the explicit recognition of press freedom in the country’s 2011 Constitution, events have shown that a number of prominent journalists and critics have been arrested and sentenced on various charges. Several organizations have reported that the repression of freedom of expression and association continues in Morocco, with multiple journalists, activists, and protesters imprisoned solely for expressing criticism of the ruling establishment.
This systematic repression is carried out through tactics such as levelling severe criminal charges—including sexual and security-related offenses—holding unfair trials, and issuing lengthy prison sentences. Human Rights Watch has described this environment as a “repressive ecosystem.” This report examines the most documented cases of media repression in Morocco, the domestic and international responses to these developments, and the impact of this climate on Moroccan society.
Incidents
- The Cases of Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raissouni, and Taoufik Bouachrine
Among the most prominent examples of media repression in Morocco in recent years are the cases of Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raissouni, and Taoufik Bouachrine. Omar Radi, a journalist and human rights activist, was arrested in July 2020 following the publication of investigative reports exposing corruption and the influence of security officials. He was charged with espionage for a foreign state and with rape. Despite strongly denying the charges, Radi was sentenced to six years in prison in a trial marked by ambiguity in July 2021. He rejected the espionage accusation as baseless and stated that the alleged sexual relationship had been consensual.
Amnesty International described his trial as “marred by flagrant due process violations[1].” It had previously been revealed in 2020 that Radi’s mobile phone had been infected with Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group, intensifying concerns about the Moroccan government’s use of advanced technologies to silence dissent[2].
Around the same time, Soulaimane Raissouni, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm, was arrested in May 2020 and charged with sexually assaulting a man. Raissouni, a vocal critic of the judiciary and the government’s human rights record, described the accusations as politically motivated and went on a hunger strike for over 90 days. Nevertheless, he was found guilty in another questionable trial and sentenced to five years in prison in July 2021.
The defense teams for both Radi and Raissouni described their prolonged pre-trial detentions as arbitrary and a violation of the presumption of innocence, noting that both had expressed their willingness to appear in court. Both journalists consistently maintained their innocence, and many independent observers regarded the moral accusations against them as attempts to discredit them and erode public support. Human rights organizations noted that the Moroccan judiciary selectively used vague charges and insufficient evidence to target critics.
On the other hand, the alleged victims (claimants in the sexual assault cases) insisted that politicizing their claims undermined their right to seek justice. As a result, the National Union of the Moroccan Press called for the provisional release of Radi and Raissouni while also affirming the claimants’ right to a fair trial[3].
Meanwhile, the case of Taoufik Bouachrine—editor-in-chief and founder of the critical Akhbar Al-Youm newspaper—has become emblematic of the state’s confrontation with the independent press since 2018. Bouachrine was arrested in February 2018 and initially sentenced to 12 years in prison in November of the same year. He faced charges including human trafficking, abuse of authority for sexual purposes, rape, and attempted rape—all of which he denied, attributing the case to political motives.
In October 2019, the appellate court, under pressure from the prosecution, increased his sentence to 15 years. The case was based on complaints from several women and around 50 video recordings allegedly showing Bouachrine engaging in sexual acts in his office. His defense team questioned the authenticity of the videos, calling them doctored or reflective of consensual relationships.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared in 2019 that Bouachrine had been subjected to arbitrary detention and judicial harassment, raising concerns about the lack of credible evidence and reports of witness intimidation—allegations that Moroccan officials have consistently denied. Notably, some individuals identified as victims by the prosecution either did not participate in the trial or denied being subjected to abuse[4].
It is worth mentioning that prior to his arrest, Bouachrine had published critical articles targeting influential figures, including billionaire businessman and current Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, as well as Morocco’s foreign policies, such as its support for Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia. His newspaper had long been the target of government lawsuits and pressure campaigns. Following his arrest and the subsequent imprisonment of Raissouni (who succeeded him as editor), Akhbar Al-Youm eventually shut down in 2021 due to financial hardship and state pressure—underscoring the broader decline of independent media in Morocco[5].
- Other Notable Cases Against Media Activists
In addition to the aforementioned cases, several other documented incidents reflect the increasingly hostile environment for journalists and critics in Morocco.
Hajar Raissouni, a journalist for Akhbar Al-Youm and niece of Soulaimane Raissouni, was arrested in 2019 on charges of illegal abortion and extramarital relations, and sentenced to one year in prison. Although she denied the allegations and claimed they were politically motivated due to her journalism, she was released shortly thereafter through a royal pardon under public pressure.
Maati Monjib, a critical historian and founder of a media center, was arrested in December 2020 on charges of money laundering—charges that activists deemed baseless. After around two months of pretrial detention, he was released on bail, although his suspended conviction remained in effect until his name appeared on the list of those pardoned in 2024[6].
Another case is that of Hamid El Mahdaoui, director of a Moroccan news website, known for his coverage of the Hirak Rif protests. El Mahdaoui, who had previously served time in prison, was again sentenced in November 2023 to 18 months in prison and a heavy fine for allegedly defaming the Minister of Justice.
Hanan Bakour, a journalist and former editor of a news website, has been under prosecution since 2022 over a critical Facebook post targeting the ruling party. She faces charges of spreading false news, and according to reports, her trial is ongoing. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison[7].
These cases demonstrate that the scope of repression extends beyond traditional print media, encompassing the online sphere and social media as well. In 2023, several bloggers and online activists were penalized for publishing critical content on the internet. One Moroccan citizen was arrested and sentenced to 18 months in prison over a Facebook post criticizing the ruler of the United Arab Emirates.
In another case, Abderrahmane Znagui was sentenced to five years in prison (later reduced to three on appeal) for insulting the monarchy in posts criticizing Morocco’s normalization deal with Israel. Similarly, Said Boukioud was prosecuted under Article 267 of the Penal Code—criminalizing insults to sacred institutions and the monarchy—for comments made in 2020 criticizing the King’s decision regarding Israel. He was sentenced to five years in prison in summer 2023, although his sentence was later reduced on appeal.
These examples reflect the judiciary’s use of harsh legislation to silence dissenting voices online. According to documentation from Human Rights Watch, dozens of journalists and online activists in Morocco have, in recent years, been convicted on charges such as defamation, spreading false information, insulting officials, or threatening national security and the monarchy[8].
Altogether, these events indicate that critics—whether in traditional media or digital platforms—face significant risks of prosecution and harsh punishment. The overall climate for freedom of expression in Morocco has become increasingly restricted.
Challenges and Responses
- Reactions of International Organizations
The Moroccan government’s treatment of critical journalists and the restrictions imposed on freedom of expression have sparked widespread reactions from international organizations, foreign governments, and independent analysts. Human rights and press freedom groups have repeatedly condemned the course of these trials and sentences, framing them as part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent in Morocco.
Human Rights Watch has explicitly accused the Moroccan authorities of misusing the judicial process and bringing heavy criminal charges—particularly sexual offenses—to suppress independent journalists and opponents. In a joint statement, this organization and several other international bodies warned that what has happened to Omar Radi and Soulaimane Raissouni signals an alarming increase in the state’s intolerance of dissent and its instrumentalization of the law for repression[9].
Amnesty International has also expressed grave concerns over the lack of fair trials, calling for the immediate release—or at minimum, fair retrials—of the journalists in question. It emphasized that any allegations of sexual misconduct must be addressed in a just legal framework, free from political motivation[10].
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) pointed to the cases of Radi, Raissouni, and Bouachrine as emblematic of longstanding European silence on press freedom violations in Morocco. The organization welcomed what it saw as a shift in the European Parliament’s approach to this issue[11].
One of the most significant international responses came in the form of an emergency resolution by the European Parliament on January 19, 2023. In this resolution—marking the first time in 25 years that the European Parliament explicitly condemned Morocco’s press freedom violations—European lawmakers voiced concern over the “declining trend of press freedom” in the country. The resolution stressed that several journalists, especially Omar Radi, had been imprisoned for political reasons[12].
The European Parliament urged Moroccan authorities to respect the fundamental rights of these individuals and to immediately and conditionally release jailed journalists, including Radi, Raissouni, and Bouachrine. It also called for an end to judicial harassment targeting journalists, their lawyers, and their families.
Additionally, the resolution condemned the abuse of sexual assault accusations as a disturbing tactic to discredit critical journalists—a practice even denounced by some women’s rights groups within Morocco itself. The European Parliament demanded an end to the use of digital surveillance tools like Pegasus spyware against journalists and called on EU member states to halt the export of surveillance technology to Morocco.
This resolution provoked a strong backlash from Rabat. On January 23, 2023, the Moroccan Parliament convened an extraordinary session in which it unanimously condemned the European resolution, branding it a violation of Morocco’s internal affairs[13]. Lawmakers announced a reevaluation of relations with the European Parliament, and some Moroccan officials began lobbying to influence European lawmakers’ opinions.
The Moroccan government rejected the accusation that the trials were politically motivated, emphasizing the independence of the judiciary as enshrined in the Constitution and claiming that the individuals were convicted of common crimes rather than journalistic activity[14]. Officials have consistently argued that journalism does not grant immunity from prosecution and that the judiciary is within its rights to hear citizens’ complaints.
It is worth noting that the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found the detentions of Soulaimane Raissouni and Taoufik Bouachrine to be arbitrary and in violation of Morocco’s international obligations. The group urged the Moroccan authorities to release the two men immediately and provide compensation, also warning of procedural abuses—such as reports of witness intimidation and insufficient evidence.
In addition, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, along with several other special rapporteurs, formally requested explanations from the Moroccan government regarding these cases and called for respect of fair trial standards.
- Legal Challenges
Independent analysts and exiled Moroccan journalists broadly describe the current situation as a deepening state of media suppression in their country. They argue that, in recent years, the authorities have deployed a “toolbox” of repressive tactics—ranging from illegal surveillance of communications, smear campaigns on social media, to morally compromising allegations aimed at tarnishing the reputations of independent journalists.
These analysts warn that the continuation of such practices threatens to reverse the limited gains previously made in the realm of free expression and will lead to a more monolithic, state-dominated media landscape. At the same time, some observers believe that external pressures and international scandals—such as revelations about Pegasus spyware or allegations of Moroccan bribery of European lawmakers—may eventually push the Rabat government toward policy reconsideration.
Although the initial response of the Moroccan authorities to international criticism has been largely defensive and dismissive, the rising reputational cost of continued repression may influence the government’s long-term calculations.
A hopeful sign for press freedom advocates was the royal pardon of July 2024, announced on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne. In this mass amnesty, the King pardoned 2,476 prisoners, including three prominent journalists—Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raissouni, and Taoufik Bouachrine—as well as Maati Monjib. Press freedom groups such as PEN International and the Committee to Protect Journalists welcomed the release of these individuals, describing it as the result of years of sustained human rights advocacy.
However, they cautioned that this release did not equate to a full exoneration, as the individuals’ convictions remain on record[15]. According to Moroccan law, a criminal conviction can hinder a journalist from obtaining an official press license. As a result, until their legal status is fully clarified, these journalists are effectively unable to return to their profession without hindrance.
For this reason, press freedom advocates have called for a complete restoration of the individuals’ reputations and an overhaul of the legal procedures that led to such rulings. As one media activist put it: “In today’s Morocco, freedom following a royal pardon does not mean closure—it means a journalist remains under the shadow of a conviction that can restrict their work at any time.”
This situation underscores that despite some positive gestures—such as occasional pardons—serious concerns about the overall state of press freedom in Morocco persist, and the international community continues to monitor the government’s treatment of dissenters closely.
Conclusion
Overall, the suppression of freedom of expression and the prosecution of critical journalists in Morocco has had profound impacts on the country’s media landscape and public sphere. In recent years, the systematic use of criminal law—instead of press legislation—to pursue independent journalists has fostered an environment of widespread self-censorship. According to numerous reports, many journalists avoid addressing sensitive topics out of fear of legal repercussions.
International organizations such as Reporters Without Borders have documented that the apparent diversity of media in Morocco is largely superficial, as media outlets do not genuinely reflect a plurality of political voices. Furthermore, the shutdown of independent newspapers such as Akhbar Al-Youm illustrates the decline in civil society oversight over the ruling establishment and the erosion of government accountability.
While the recent royal pardon and the release of several journalists may seem like a positive step, concerns regarding the state of press freedom in Morocco remain unresolved. Analysts warn that without structural reforms to the judiciary and genuine guarantees for media independence, the outlook for freedom of expression in the country will continue to be marked by uncertainty.
Ultimately, safeguarding and expanding the space for free expression is not only a fundamental human rights imperative, but also a prerequisite for Morocco’s sustainable development and political and social progress. The Moroccan authorities must implement tangible changes to their past and current approach toward media professionals in order to make amends for the country’s human rights record and to foster a more open and accountable public discourse.
References
[1] Reuters. (2021, July 19). Moroccan court sentences dissident reporter on sexual assault, spying charges. Reuters. From: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/moroccan-court-sentences-dissident-reporter-sexual-assault-spying-charges-2021-07-19
[2] European Parliament. (2023, June 16). European Parliament resolution on the situation of journalists in Morocco, notably the case of Omar Radi (2023/2506(RSP)). EUR-Lex. From: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023IP0014
[3] Eljechtimi, A. (2021, June 22). Trial of Moroccan journalists raises fears of repression. Reuters. From: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/trial-moroccan-journalists-raises-fears-repression-2021-06-22
[4] Al Jazeera. (2019, October 26). Morocco lengthens jail term for Taoufik Bouachrine on appeal. Al Jazeera. From: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/26/morocco-lengthens-jail-term-for-taoufik-bouachrine-on-appeal
[5] Committee to Protect Journalists. (2024, October 21). Morocco’s pardoned journalists face smears, threats after prison. CPJ. From: https://cpj.org/2024/10/moroccos-pardoned-journalists-face-smears-threats-after-prison
[6] Reuters. (2024, July 29). Morocco releases jailed journalists, pardons 2,476 convicts. Reuters. From: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/morocco-releases-jailed-journalists-pardons-2476-convicts-2024-07-29/Reuters
[7] Freedom House. (2023). Morocco: Freedom on the Net 2023 Country Report. Freedom House. From: https://freedomhouse.org/country/morocco/freedom-net/2023
[8] Human Rights Watch. (2024). Morocco and Western Sahara. Human Rights Watch. From: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/morocco-and-western-sahara
[9] Human Rights Watch. (2021, April 6). Morocco: Release Omar Radi and guarantee fair trial proceedings. Human Rights Watch. From: https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/04/06/morocco-release-omar-radi-and-guarantee-fair-trial-proceedings
[10] Amnesty International. (2023, May 3). Morocco: Denying imprisoned academics and journalists access to read and write violates their right to freedom of expression. Amnesty International. From: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/05/morocco-denying-imprisoned-academics-and-journalists-access-to-read-and-write-violates-their-right-to-freedom-of-expression/
[11] Reporters Without Borders. (2023, January 19). RSF hails end of European Parliament’s silence on Morocco. RSF. From: https://rsf.org/en/rsf-hails-end-european-parliament-s-silence-morocco
[12] Pitchers, Ch. (2023, January 19). European Parliament condemns Morocco for first time in 25 years after vote on human rights. Euronews. From: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/01/19/european-parliament-condemns-morocco-for-first-time-in-25-years-after-vote-on-human-rights
[13] Euractiv. (2023, January 24). Morocco votes to review ties with European Parliament. Euractiv. From: https://www.euractiv.com/section/tech/news/morocco-votes-to-review-ties-with-european-parliament/
[14] Associated Press. (2023, January 23). Morocco votes to review ties with European Parliament. AP News. From: https://apnews.com/article/politics-morocco-government-europe-dae18c72e9db4cabb02555a78d27e9ad
[15] PEN International. (2024, July 31). Morocco: PEN International welcomes the release of journalists Omar Radi, Soulaiman Raissouni and Taoufik Bouachrine. PEN International. From: https://www.pen-international.org/news/morocco-pen-international-welcomes-the-release-of-journalists
