Settlement of Islamist leader's case draws positive responses among Moroccan politicians
Morocco, Politics, 5/18/2000

The announcement made Tuesday by Moroccan authorities that Abdessalam Yassine, leader of the outlawed "Al Adl Wal Ihsan" Islamist association, "is free" was welcomed by political parties as a measure likely to consolidate the respect of human rights and the rule of law.

On Monday, Moroccan interior minister, Ahmed El Midaoui, told the House of Representatives that Sheikh Yassine is a free person.

For Mahjoubi Aherdane and Mohamed El Khatib, leaders respectively of the National Popular Movement (MNP) and the Islamist moderate Party for Justice and Development, the Moroccan authorities' decision, which "bears the seal of Royal orientations" comes to clean up the climate and restore the freedoms issue in Morocco. The two men also warned against using this freedom to personal ends, MAP reported.

Three parties, grouped in the Wifaq, namely the Constitutional Union, the Popular Movement and the National Democrat Party, while voicing satisfaction, refused the use of mosques for political ends and called authorities to see to law enforcement both for the protection of the nation's sacred values and the respect of public freedoms, MAP reported.

Prime minister's Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) welcomed the decision but stressed that Yassine's freedom should not jeopardize the freedom of other people. Mohamed El Yazghi, deputy first secretary of the USFP, welcomed the decision and said it was part of an ongoing process to settle all pending human rights issues. He, however, was surprised that Yassine announced in a communique his decision to go to the mosque. He said prayer is a matter between the individuals and God.

Abbas El-Fassi, leader of the nationalist Istiqlal party, welcomed the decision and said he is convinced that Yassine will contribute to the nation living forces' endeavors to consolidate constitutional institutions, democratic gains and build a society of justice, progress and tolerance.

For the Moroccan Human Rights Organization (OMDH), the Moroccan authorities' decision testifies to the existence of a strong will to create an environment conducive to the respect of freedoms.

Human rights minister, Mohamed Aujjar, stressed that the settlement of Yassine's status confirms that Morocco is actually a country where the law rules, human rights are respected, and freedoms are consolidated. He insisted on responsibilities and duties attached to the exercise of freedoms.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan Islamist association wants restrictions lifted   (5/17/2000)
  Home minister renews Islamist leader is free   (5/17/2000)
  Islamist association leader says he will go out to perform Friday prayers   (5/16/2000)

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