Is Raissouni's Pardon Simply Playing Politics in Morocco?
The decision by King Mohammed VI to grant a royal pardon for Hajar Raissouni - a Moroccan journalist detained along with her fiancé, a gynecologic doctor and his staff for allegedly 'illegal abortion' – has been pitched as an example of the 'clemency and mercy' of the king. But in reality, it appears the pardon has wider intentions - and is intended to try to kill three birds with one stone.
The first target is to try to end the current regime’s isolation, and prevent further media attacks against its restrictive practices. The accusations were never admitted by Raissouni and the others involved, resulting in wide criticism from both local and international media at a time when the regime was already under fire from human rights organizations for cracking down independent journalists and activists.… Seguir leyendo »