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The last cover of Jeune Afrique, a weekply magazine based in Paris has made headlines in Morocco. On a red background, with a green cross inspired by the Moroccan flag the Magazine wrote «Terrorism : Born in Morocco». The cover contains also photos of terrorist cell’s members who carried out the twin attacks in both Las Ramblas and Cambrils, Catalonia.
On Tuesday, the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) denounced Jeune Afrique’s cover by issuing a press release. ISESCO stated that the cover was «harmful to the kingdom of Morocco» adding that it is an unprofessional move that contains unfair and unfounded accusations against all Moroccans.
The organization also indicated that the kingdom is «known throughout the world for its judicious policy and its fight against extremism, violence and terrorism,» the statement said. Quoted by the latter, the director-general of the organization, Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri said that «the alleged terrorists who carried out the attacks in Europe (...) have no connection with Morocco, nor the culture of the country is responsible for their radicalization».
François Soudan, editor-in-chief of Jeune Afrique, contacted by our colleagues at Huffpost Maroc, responded to this controversy. «The title says 'Born in Morocco', and not 'Made in Morocco', and the difference here is significant, it is explained in the three lines following the cover» he says. He also says that «born in the heart of the kingdom» - as everyone knows - radicalized in Europe - and not in Morocco - recruited by Daesh,» he said.
For him, the issue explains «clearly that apart from their place of birth, the terrorists of Barcelona had cut off ties with the kingdom». «Their radicalization took place in Europe, in a specifically European context,» he says. Francois Soudan also asked people to read «the new issue before» commenting negatively on social media.
