Morocco Demands Press Freedom Guarantees for Journalists at African Nations Championship in Algeria

In a letter addressed to CAF President Patrice Motsepe, the National Press Council is asking Algeria, the host country of CHAN 2023, to guarantee the right to press freedom, freedom of expression and human rights to Moroccan journalists during the tournament. This request is one of the international principles shared by all nations. However, it is often not guaranteed, according to Morocco, by Algiers, which severed ties with Rabat in 2021. As an example, the Council recalls that Algeria had already prevented Moroccan journalists from covering the Mediterranean Games on June 22, 2022, the Arab summit two days before its inauguration in November last year and "authorized the attack on Moroccan players in the Arab Cup for under-17 players."

Before the National Press Council, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) had requested that the Atlas Cubs travel to Constantine, the host city of Morocco’s matches, via a direct flight from Rabat on a Royal Air Maroc (RAM) plane. Something that Algeria has officially refused today.