Journalists' union criticise Moroccan prosecution decision

04/01/2007

[File] IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) issued a statement Wednesday (January 3rd) in which they lashed out at the Moroccan authorities' decision to prosecute two journalists. The IFJ comment is related to a recent decision for closing Nichane magazine and pressing charges against its editor Driss Ksikes and reporter Sanaa Al Aji because of an article on jokes about sex, religion and politics. IFJ noted that the two journalists might now receive sentences of up to five years in prison on charges of attacking Islam and going against morals and customs. IFJ insists the whole case and government's accusations represent a serious threat to press freedom in Morocco. It has called on Moroccan authorities to drop the charges. (Reuters)