US Criticizes Moroccan Journalist’s Conviction, Citing Fair Trial Concerns

"We note that Soulaiman Raissouni has alleged that there were violations of the guarantees of a fair trial. We believe that the judicial process that led to this verdict contradicts the fundamental promise of the Moroccan system of fair trials for those accused of crimes, and it is at odds with the promise of the 2011 Constitution and the reform program led by King Mohammed VI," said Ned Price, State Department spokesman, at a press briefing last Monday.

He will state that the United States is concerned about the negative impact of the case on freedoms of expression and association in Morocco. "Freedom of the press is fundamental to prosperous and secure societies, and governments must ensure that journalists can safely perform their essential roles without fear of violence or threats," he said. Also, he informed that the Biden administration is closely following the Soulaiman Raissouni case as well as those of other journalists currently in detention, including that of Omar Radi. "We have conveyed these concerns to the Moroccan government and will continue to do so," he said.

On Friday, the Casablanca Court of Appeal sentenced journalist Soulaimane Raissouni to five years in prison for rape and kidnapping. Since May 2020, he has been in pre-trial detention following a complaint from Adam Muhammed, an LGBT activist, for "sexual assault." Reporters Without Borders is calling for his release pending a "fair" appeal trial.