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Rabat – The Moroccan National Press Council has referred the online newspaper “El Jadida Express” to its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee after the outlet published a video that included calls for violence and images of minors.
The video in question shows a young protester, accompanied by several minors, speaking to El Jadida Express. In the recording, he threatens that there will be a series of “assassinations” targeting police officers if authorities refuse to meet protesters’ demands.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Le360 reports, the council said the referral was made under its automatic procedures, based on Law 90.13 that created the council, as well as its Code of Ethics.
The council stressed that journalists must not promote violence, crime, or terrorism, and that they have a duty to protect children from being exploited in sensitive social issues.
The committee said it would take the necessary measures to protect society from threats to public order, while also safeguarding the integrity of journalism. It also reminded media outlets to respect professional ethics when covering ongoing protests, and to use accurate legal terms such as “arrest” versus “detention” and “accused” versus “suspect.”
This decision comes as Morocco faces a wave of protests, largely driven by members of Generation Z. The demonstrations began peacefully, with young people demanding better healthcare and education. For the first three days, protesters marched and voiced their concerns peacefully, though they faced police suppression.
However, the situation quickly escalated. Acts of vandalism broke out, with public and private property being burned, and violent clashes followed. Hundreds of protesters and security forces were injured during the unrest.
Authorities in Inzegane-Ait Mellal said gendarmerie forces used live fire in selfdefense after a group of people tried to raid their post in Lqliaa, killing three and injuring several others.
