Moroccan Journalists want more press freedom
Morocco, Politics, 3/15/2005

Moroccan journalists called on Saturday for more press liberties by suppressing prison sanctions against journalists and guaranteeing their right not to reveal the sources of information.

The journalists recommended in a report, published at the closing of the national press Convention, the creation of a chamber in charge of managing journalism cases, and the guaranteeing of journalists' right to have access to sources of information and not to reveal these sources.

The press has benefited of a 'positive climate' after the reforms instituted by King Mohammed VI, noted the report, underlining, however, that the assets gained are not final because of "parties that are hostile to change."

The sphere of reforms should always remain open for updating and assessment in order to have "a free and responsible press," insisted the report.

On legal reforms, the report called for amending and updating the legal framework of the profession as part of a global reform because the code in force does not accompany the ongoing reforms.

It also highlighted the need to organize the profession in order to guarantee the credibility of the press and allow it fulfill its mission. The report said it is crucial to define the needs and adopt a rational approach to restructure the press so that it can face competition.

The final report deplored the low number of readership and the weak turnover in the sector, blaming it on the reinforcement of the audiovisual sector and the e-press competition.

Communication minister and spokesman of the government, Nabil Benabdallah, announced last Friday that King Mohammed VI has instructed the government to allocate a budget of MAD 50 million (about US$ 6 million) to support press companies.

Themed "When the media progress, democracy moves forward," the convention opened Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister, Driss Jettou, government members, MPs, political party leaders, representatives of international NGOs, foreign experts, delegates of trade unions and associations.

Previous Stories:
  Government allocates MAD 50 million to support press companies   (3/11/2005)
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  King Mohammed starts visit to Mauritania   (3/7/2005)

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