Moroccan King Pardons Journalist Convicted of Premarital Sex, Ending Controversial Case

The King has responded favorably to the many calls for the release of the journalist convicted in this case of "sexual relations outside of marriage" and "illegal abortion."

"This royal pardon is part of the compassion and clemency recognized in the Sovereign and the concern of His Majesty the King to preserve the future of the two fiancés who intended to start a family in accordance with religious precepts and the law, despite the error they may have committed and which led to this judicial prosecution," the same statement notes.

The Sovereign has also granted his pardon to the fiancé of Hajar Raïssouni and to the entire medical team prosecuted in this case.