Media laws at Morocco

20 May 2025 --
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Morocco's media landscape operates under a legal framework that combines constitutional guarantees with significant restrictions, especially concerning topics like the monarchy, Islam, and territorial integrity. Here's an overview of the media laws and regulations in Morocco:

📜 Legal Framework Governing Media

1. Press Code (2016) The 2016 reform of the Press Code replaced imprisonment with substantial fines for press offenses Articles 71 and 72 impose fines up to 200,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $19,500) for content deemed disruptive to public order Offenses related to the military can incur fines up to 500,000 dirhams (about $48,800) Journalists unable to pay these fines may face imprisonment

2. Penal Code The Penal Code criminalizes speech offenses related to the monarchy, Islam, Western Sahara, and national security Articles 263 to 267 penalize insults against public authorities, officials, and organizations Article 267.5 specifically addresses "incitement against territorial integrity," with penalties ranging from six months to two years in prison and fines of 20,000–200,000 dirhams If committed publicly, the punishment can increase to two to five years in prison and fines of 50,000–500,000 dirhams

3. Antiterrorism LawArticle 218(2) of the antiterrorism law prescribes prison terms of two to six years and fines of 10,000 to 200,000 dirhams for those convicted of condoning acts of terrorism through offline or online speech

4. Draft Criminal Law on "Fake News"A proposed draft law aims to impose strict penalties on social media users who post "fake news. While not yet passed, it reflects the government's intent to regulate online content more stringently

📰 Media Landscape

Morocco's media environment is characterized by a mix of state-controlled and private outlet:

State-Owned Media The Société Nationale de Radiodiffusion et de Télévision (SNRT) operates multiple television and radio channels, including Al Aoula, Arryadia, and Al Maghribia

Private Media Private outlets like 2M and Medi 1 TV offer a range of programmin. However, ownership is often concentrated among political and business elites, limiting media pluralism

Online Media While online media is more diverse, it faces challenges related to transparency and regulatio.

🛡️ Freedom of Expression and Censorshi

Despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, Moroccan media faces significant constrains:

*Censorship: Content critical of the monarchy, Islam, or Morocco's policies in Western Sahara is subject to censorship and legal actin.

*Legal Repercussions: journalists and activists have faced imprisonment, fines, and harassment for expressing dissenting views

*International Criticism: Human rights organizations have condemned the use of legal frameworks to suppress free speech and limit journalistic independene.

⚖️ Notable Cases

**Nichane Magazine (2006)*: The magazine was banned after publishing content deemed offensive to Islam and the late King Hassan II. Journalists faced fines and suspended sentences

**Journalists' Pardons (2023)*: King Mohammed VI pardoned three prominent journalists—Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raissouni, and Taoufik Bouachrine—who were jailed on charges widely regarded as politically motivated

In summary, while Morocco's media laws have evolved to reduce imprisonment for press offenses, substantial fines and legal ambiguities continue to pose challenges to journalistic freedm Authorities maintain strict control over content related to sensitive political and cultural topics, and enforcement mechanisms are actively used to suppress dissenting voics.