Morocco Pressures Spain to Oppose EU Parliament Resolution on Freedom of Expression

In a telephone call to his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, Bourita would have threatened to reduce his participation in the high-level meeting with Spain scheduled for February 1 and 2 in Rabat, if the Spanish government did not vote against this resolution in which the European Parliament expressed its "deep concern about allegations that Moroccan authorities have corrupted European deputies" and also calls on them to respect freedom of expression, reports ABC.

"Spain maintains a frank dialogue with Morocco on all issues of common interest, such as security, the fight against terrorism, economic and trade relations, the fight against illegal immigration and human rights. In all responsibility and for the good of the frank bilateral relations based on dialogue and understanding, we voted against this resolution," a press release states.

However, MEP Iratxe García Pérez, president of the European Socialist Group, voted in favor of the resolution, which also calls on Morocco to guarantee a fair trial for journalists Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raisouni and Taofik Bouachrine, who are detained in the kingdom. Furthermore, the resolution expressly mentions the case of Spanish journalist Ignacio Cembrero, who is the subject of judicial harassment by Morocco.