Moroccan press rallies behind newspaper after record libel verdict

31/03/2008

In the wake of what many are calling an "exorbitant" penalty for libel, a diverse group of Moroccan newspapers is coming out in support of Al Massae daily. The papers say the decision threatens independent journalists and free speech.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 31/03/08

[ٍSarah Touahri] The Moroccan press and media watchdogs are voicing concerns over the 6-million dirham libel fine levied March 25th in Rabat against Al Massae daily newspaper.

Both Moroccan press and media watchdogs are voicing concerns over the 6-million dirham libel fine levied March 25th in Rabat against Al Massae daily newspaper and its publishing director, Rachid Nini.

The ruling followed an article last November on a "gay wedding party" in the small northern Moroccan town of Ksar Al-Kébir, in which the publication claimed the town's "network of sexual perverts" included an unnamed deputy royal prosecutor. Despite apologies published by the paper, all four deputy royal prosecutors in Ksar El Kébir lodged individual complaints against Al Massae for defamation of character and libel.

The record fine levied against the largest-selling newspaper in Morocco, which has been in existence for less than a year, is a "clear message to the independent press as a whole", Al Massae’s editorial team said after the decision was rendered.

Many Moroccan newspapers noted that the ruling affects them as well. French-language Aujourd'hui Le Maroc and Liberation, Islamist paper Attajdid and Socialist daily Al Ittihad Al Ichtaraki, are among the publications which have come out in support of Al Massae.

"It's our right to say, at least once, that we are afraid both for now and the future," said a commentary from the Arabic daily Asshaba.

"Now is more than ever the time for solidarity, because this is about the independence of journalists and the future of a profession which has difficulty holding its ground", Liberation editorialised in a piece titled, "The Press Repressed".

The fine imposed by the Rabat court would also effectively bankrupt the newspaper. "In no way could we give our backing to this verdict. If it is brought to bear, it would lead to Al Massae disappearing from the shelves," wrote Libération.

Publishing director Rachid Nini has said that his paper has made life uncomfortable for several important people in power, so they are trying to put an end to the paper. Nini said the court ruling was "inexplicable and unacceptable" and reflected "a desire to destroy my newspaper and restrict free expression in Morocco".

The Moroccan National Press Union considers the sentence to be exaggerated and far from objective, and is calling for it to be revised. Secretary-General Younes M'jahed said that while "the union is not questioning the right of someone to turn to the courts if they feel they have been wronged," this right should not "put newspapers into liquidation".

The ruling also drew criticism from the press freedom organisation Reporters without Borders (RSF), which said it was "alarmed and scandalised by the exorbitant amount of the record fine on Rachid Nini."

In a statement issued last Thursday, RSF added, "This is not the first time Morocco's courts have acted with a heavy hand. Certain recent court rulings have badly hurt leading Moroccan media and could lead to their disappearance." The organisation urged Moroccan courts to "hand down sentences in proportion to the damages incurred and be careful not to endanger press freedom."

Other groups in Morocco also disagree with the Rabat ruling. Moroccan Human Rights Association member Abdellah Ben Abdessalam said that "the sentence is too harsh, and aims at silencing the free speech which upsets the Moroccan establishment."

Abdelaziz Nouidi, a member of the Justice Association, stated that the verdict is "out of proportion".