French Journalists Face Trial for Alleged Blackmail of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI

According to AFP, the case broke out in the summer of 2015, shortly before the scheduled publication of a second volume on King Mohammed VI, containing allegedly embarrassing information for Morocco.

The two journalists, authors in 2012 of a previous book on Morocco, wanted to sell their silence for three million euros according to an emissary of Morocco. There was a second meeting (August 21) then a third (August 27) during which the negotiated amount was reduced to two million euros.

The intention is confirmed by Catherine Graciet: "I agree with the terms that Eric has stated. There’s no problem with that, we’re on the same wavelength," she notably said to her interlocutor, according to the transcript of the audio recording of this interview.

"Known and recognized journalists (...), their blackmail approach appeared all the more real to their interlocutor," the prosecution said.

After a long procedural battle, the Court of Cassation had dismissed the two journalists in November 2017, considering that the investigators had only played a "passive" role in the collection of evidence.

According to the lawyers of the kingdom, Me Antoine Vey and Me Ralph Boussier, "the guilt is beyond doubt since, from the outset, the facts were observed in flagrante delicto".