Editor Ali Lmrabet Ends Hunger Strike "On 23 June 2003, Ali Lmrabet ended his 47-day hunger strike. The end of his hunger strike was announced by Prince Moulay Hicham al-Alaouiwho had visited the editor that day. Ali Lmrabet had also beenvisited on 23 June by Morocco's official human rights body, the HumanRights Advisory Board."
BBC NEWS | Africa | Polisario accepts Sahara peace plan
"Even the most optimistic diplomats acknowledge that these latest developments may not be the breakthrough many have been hoping for."
Morocco Islamists condemned "A court in Morocco has imposed death sentences on 10 alleged members of a radical Islamic group which is suspected of involvement in the Casablanca suicide attacks." [via BBC: Middle East]
Heineken targets Muslim markets The fruit-flavoured beverage, Fayrouz, is already popular in Egypt and has been certified halal by Al Azhar, a leading Sunni Islam religious institution.[via BBC: Middle East]
This is a rough translation of the comments of jailed journalist Ali Mrabet, who is on a hunger strike after having been sentenced to three years in prison, from Mohcen Blog.
"I am laughing under a cloak, pardon me, a curtain: I am in a hospital bed -- .. I laugh when I remember the tone of the prosecutor when he asked that I be given the maximum sentence. 'Lmrabet should feel the full weight of the law because he has committed a crime of extreme gravity. . .' It's true. What I did was very serious. I criminally mocked our good old regime. I ridiculed in an irresponsible manner our hypocritical culture and the opportunists in our ruling class. . .
Four Journalists Held for More Than 10 Days, Face Prison Terms "RSF has urged the authorities to explain why they are holding four journalists who were originally detained under ananti-terrorism law, but reportedly will now be prosecuted under thepress law and face prison terms."
Berbers in Algeria Refuse Peace Talks
New York Times: Africa: "Leaders of Algeria's Berber minority said that they would not enter talks to settle a long-running standoff with the government unless it accepted all their demands."
What to Wear in Morocco; Travel by Freighter; Composer Tours in Vienna and Prague
"Q. My husband and I will be going to Morocco this summer. We have heard both that typical summer wear like shorts is fine and that we should dress conservatively in skirts and long pants. What is appropriate? - G. R., Gaineseville, Fla."
