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| EMHRN protests against the imprisonment of Ali Lamrabet | Date: 22-05-2003 |
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Morocco: EMHRN protests against the imprisonment of journalist Ali Lamrabet The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMRHN) is deeply concerned about the heavy prison sentence against and current imprisonment of the Moroccan journalist, Ali Lamrabet. The editor-in-chief of the weeklies ‘Demain Magazine’ and ‘Douman’ was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of 20 000 Dirhams (approximately 2000 Euro) by the court of first instance in Rabat on 21 May. His imprisonment was given in accordance with article 400 of the criminal code, which has never been applied before to sentence a journalist. Furthermore, the court banned his two publications. The printer of one of the publications has been previously been pressured not to publish Lamrabet’s publications and Lamrabet has been harassed and banned from leaving Moroccan territory. The trial was based on charges of ‘insulting the king’ and offending the monarchy and Morocco’s territorial integrity’ - offences which were recently introduced in article 41 of the Press Law. The EMHRN previously expressed its concerns about the vague formulation of this article in a memorandum to the Moroccan government in spring 2002. The EMHRN considers that the lack of clear limits to the use of article 40 opens the door for its arbitrary use and is contrary to the letter and spirit of article 19 of the international covenant on civil and political rights. The EMHRN protests against the decision to imprison Mr Lamrabet without any recourse to appeal, a punishment which contradicts article 2 of the international covenant on civil and political rights. The Network requests his release and guarantees of his right to a fair trial of appeal. The EMHRN urges the Moroccan authorities to respect their obligations, to which they have committed themselves internationally and within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. For further information please contact: Marit Floe Joergensen, Information Officer Tel: +45-32 69 89 12 / Fax: +45-32 69 89 01 E-mail: info@euromedrights.net |
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