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Morocco's House of Representatives on Monday approved two bills reforming the legal framework governing professional journalists and copyright, with 85 lawmakers voting in favor and 35 against.
The first bill amends Law 89.13 on the status of professional journalists as part of broader efforts to modernize the country's media legislation in line with the Constitution and Morocco's international commitments on human rights, freedom of expression and journalists' socio-professional rights.
Presenting the bill on behalf of Youth, Culture and Communication Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Secretary of State Adib Benbrahim said the reform responds to the rapid transformation of Morocco's media landscape by updating legal provisions governing journalism, strengthening professional standards and promoting «free and responsible» journalism.
The legislation revises the legal definition of a professional journalist, broadens recognition to include journalists working in print, online, audiovisual media and news agencies, and makes continuing professional training a key pillar of career development. It also introduces stricter rules governing the issuance of press cards to improve transparency, prevent misuse and reinforce the credibility of the profession.
The bill further strengthens journalists' moral and economic rights by guaranteeing their entitlement to copyright and related rights, while expanding the legal definition of «press companies» to include audiovisual media providers and news agencies.
Lawmakers also approved amendments to Law 2.00 on copyright and related rights, aimed at strengthening intellectual property protection while adapting the legislation to technological developments. The reform introduces new legal definitions, including «live streaming», «audiovisual recording» and «digital piracy», updates publishing contract rules to cover digital formats, reinforces protection for folklore and public-domain works, and strengthens judicial action against online copyright violations.
The bill also gives authorities greater powers to order technical intermediaries to act against infringements and enhances customs' ability to seize goods suspected of counterfeiting or piracy while preserving the smooth flow of trade.
