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Country Summary
Although in recent years the press has enjoyed expanded freedom, clear limits exist for journalists in Morocco. The press code, for example, prohibits any writing that the authorities deem insulting to Islam or calls into question Morocco’s territorial integrityspecifically, its sovereignty over Western Sahara. Authorities also reserve the right to seize newspapers or other publications if they contain articles that are a “threat to public order.” One of the more sensitive topics for the government, however, is the royal family. The publication of news on the king and his family is subject to prior authorizationa restriction which is, in effect, political censorship. Furthermore, Article 77 of the press code prohibits news reporting or opinion that insults the king or his relatives.
In October, authorities lifted an 11-month distribution ban on the Paris-based weekly magazine Juene Afrique, which had stemmed from an article that discussed King Hassan II’s failing health. But the following month, officials placed an indefinite ban on the Arabic weekly Al-Ousbou al-Sahafi.
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