Attajdid newspaper: Article on 'sexual tourism and Tsunami' reflects opinion of its own author

Abdelilah Benkirane, director of "Attajdid" newspaper that published recently an article which considers the Tsunami that hit Asia a "divine punishment" said, on Friday, the article only reflect the personal opinion of its author.

"Attajdid" editor-in-chief, Lhassan Sarrat who wrote the article, titled "sexual tourism and Tsunami," said the Tsunami is "a warning sign to Morocco before it is too late." He deemed the Tsunami a "serious warning to Morocco that has become a destination for sexual tourism."

Sarrat called for the adoption of appropriate measures against this "phenomenon that threatens the country."

The article, published on January 6, sparked a strong controversy and disapproval of the media, political parties and associations.

In a press conference held in Rabat by "Attajdid," Benkirane insisted that the article "expresses the personal opinion of its author," and disapproved of the sit-in scheduled, on Saturday, before the paper's headquarters in Rabat to protest against the article.