MoorishGirl points to the likely shutdown of Tel Quel magazine as a result of a satirical article that has resulted in a massive libel judgment with a striking lack of due process. The on-line petition on behalf of the magazine translates roughly as follows:
As a result of an expedited defamation lawsuit, the president of Tel Quel Ahmed R. Benchemsi and his news chief Karim Boukhari were sentenced, without their lawyer even having a chance to speak, to two months suspended sentence in prison, and a fine of 1,050,000 DH. The two journalists have appealed.The prison sentence and exorbitant fine constitute, without doubt, a "warning" from the powers that be with respect to Tel Quel, which is being "punished" for its editorial independence. This tactic inaugurates a new method for muzzling the press: strangle it gradually by disproportionate fines, imposed through sham trials. Today Tel Quel, tomorrow the entire Moroccan free press is threatened.
The undersigned strongly denounce any attack, even indirect, on freedom of the press, and demand justice for Tel Quel in an appeal that is fair and transparent.
Leave a comment