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Moroccan authorities have rejected all accusations set by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) claiming that they blocked international reporting in the Rif region, AFP news agency reported today.
The international non-profit, non-governmental organization that promotes and defends freedom of information and freedom of the press, has announced earlier in July through a report that Morocco has prevented journalists from covering the event that took place in Al Hoceima city.
«The situation of Moroccan and foreign journalists covering the events in northern Morocco keeps on getting worse», stated Yasmine Kacha the head of Reporters Without Borders' North Africa Bureau, adding that «by trying to prevent coverage of the Rif protests, the Moroccan authorities are gradually turning this region into a no-go zone for independent media».
Replying to allegations, the Ministry of Culture and Communications has denied the accusations indicating that they are unfounded and «lacking in credibility and proof», said the same source.
The Ministry said today that 86 international journalists were granted «all the permits necessary to carry out their work under normal conditions across the country» and that the authorities have not «influenced the coverage» of journalists.
On the other hand, the ministry recognized the arrest of Hamid El Mahdaoui, a journalist and head of Badil.info online newspaper who was accused of «helping to organize a non-authorized march" and having invited others to take part», said AFP. He was later sentenced to three months in jail and fined 20,000 dirhams.
