Rabat – Morocco’s government expressed “incomprehension” following the denial from the French Embassy in Morocco of France’s involvement in canceling a televised interview with Ferhat Mehenni, president of the Kabyle self-determination movement (MAK).
“I just wonder if it falls within the rules […] I also wonder if embassies usually do this and if other French embassies in different countries in the world do what the embassy in Morocco has done,” Morocco’s government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said on Thursday.
Some Moroccans have questioned why the French Embassy in Morocco would publish a statement denying allegations, which do not directly concern the kingdom.
The French embassy published on Thursday a statement on the last-minute cancellation of the interview.
“The French Embassy in Morocco learned of press statements and comments suggesting that the French authorities would have intervened with a French television channel so that it would not let one of the guests of a news program express himself,” the embassy said in a statement. “It formally denies these allegations.”.
Read also: MAK Leader Accuses Algeria of Censoring Interview with French Channel
“France remains committed to press freedom and freedom of expression throughout the world,” the statement continued. “Media pluralism, the right to inform or be informed, and the ability to express critical views are essential to democratic debate.”
The defense of these principles, which it applies to [France], is also a priority of its foreign policy,” the statement added.
Mehenni was scheduled to be interviewed on French TV channel CNews on Sunday, October 2, but the interview was canceled at the last minute without any clear reasons given.
In video footage circulated online, Mehenni can be seen explaining to his interviewer Ivan Rioufol that he suspects foul play from Algeria, who he believed got the Elysee Palace to cancel the interview.
Some media reports suggested that Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune threatened to cancel French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne’s scheduled visit if the interview was conducted.
