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Freedom of expression is missing despite a decision banning imprisonment for press crimes
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Morocco: Blogger Arrested On Charges Of A Statement About Student Protests
Cairo December 14, 2009
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information,ANHRI, denounced the arrest of the blogger ElBachir Hazzam, 26 years, owner of the blog "http://hazzam82.maktoobblog.com" on 7/1/2/2009 accused of posting a statement about student protests in Taghjijt (70 km east of Kuelmim). Security reacted to the protests with violence, resulting in blockade and monitoring of internet cafés so as not to forward any news or photos to the media.
According to sources, after being arrested, Bachir was questioned about what he had published on his blog, specifically the statement bearing the signature of the detained students committee. He was isolated from other inmates before being enrolled with the first group of detainees.
Many bloggers,students and activists will be brought to trial on 14/12/ 2009.
The arrest of Bachir comes in a fierce attack on freedom of opinion and expression in Morocco. The wave of fabrication of criminal cases against journalists and bloggers has gotten stronger lately , where “AlMichaal” newspaper was closed down after the imprisonment of its editor on the background of publishing articles about the health of the king. In addition, the court upheld the unjust sentence against activist Chakib Khayari in November, 2009 as well as the cruel sentence against the journalist and blogger Hassan Barhoun, who was tried and sentenced to prison in one quick session, confirming the Moroccan government intention to eradicate freedom of press and expression.
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information as it calls on the Moroccan government to immediately release Bachir, it appeals to all Arab and international organizations defending human rights to pressure the Moroccan government to release Bachir, and urge the Moroccan government to stop the harsh attack on freedom of opinion and expression and the right to peaceful assembly.
Relevant statements
http://www.anhri.net/en/reports/2009/pr1024.shtml
http://www.anhri.net/en/reports/2009/pr1125.shtml
http://www.anhri.net/en/reports/2009/pr1116.shtml
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