Moroccan Journalists Jailed For 'False' Reports Of King's Health

by Yuliya Talmazan | October 27, 2009 at 03:54 pm

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Two journalists in Morocco have been given jail terms and fines for allegedly disseminating false information about Moroccan King Mohammed VI's health. But, the journalists are adamant that their jailing is the act intended to subdue the freedom of the press.

Newspaper editor Ali Anouzla and journalist Bouchra Eddou were sentenced for reporting that the King was too sick to participate in government affairs. Both men plan to appeal the sentence. Royal family coverage has been problematic in Morocco lately. Demonstrations in support of the journalists have been staged by Reporters Without Borders near Moroccan embassy in French capital.

The official statement on the website of Reporters Without Borders reads:

“This protest was called in response to the wave of trials and disproportionate sentences affecting privately-owned publications,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Media freedom is being threatened by stricter enforcement of the ‘red lines’ that the government imposes on news coverage.