Moroccan Journalist Claims Surprise Encounter with King Mohammed VI, Promises Royal Visit

"His Majesty the King sends his greetings to the people of Sidi Slimane and promises them an upcoming visit." This is the title of an article published in a local media outlet in the city of Sidi Slimane, called Ichraka News. Its owner also published several other news items, including these words: "Thanks to God, it is an honor for us that His Majesty the King reads our electronic media, Ichraka News."

This journalist (who has a press card, specifies Rue20) even claimed, speaking of the King: "I sat next to him and I talked to him, and I chatted for more than 25 minutes."

"I wanted to kiss his hand but he refused and ordered me, again, not to draw attention to us. Then he asked me for my phone number and I gave him a business card. And he promised me an upcoming visit to Sidi Slimane," are also the words of the media man.

According to Rue20, this journalist, whose name is B. L., would have, before taking up this profession, been the imam of a mosque in Sidi Kacem. And he would have been dismissed from his position. Then he became a journalist. Thus, he was able to obtain a press card from the Ministry of Communication.

In reality, he says he met the King in Rabat, while he was going there to receive a special train card for journalists... It also seems that the King asked him several questions about the main affairs in Sidi Slimane.