Royal Rift: Prince Sues YouTuber in Moroccan Free Speech Showdown

In a post on his official Facebook page, Prince Hicham Alaoui announced that he had filed a lawsuit against the activist and YouTuber Mohamed Reda Taoujni. He accuses him of broadcasting a video on YouTube last September 11th containing "accusations and statements that undermine his honor and consideration." "As a citizen, I have decided to resort to justice to claim my right to fairness as provided by law," added the prince. Lawyer and bar president Abderrahim Jamai filed the complaint on his behalf.

The prince also reaffirmed his "deep conviction in freedom of opinion and expression, considered as an essential pillar for the rooting of the values of pluralism and openness, provided that it is exercised far from any form of defamation," addressing "all [his] esteem to the women and men of the press who remain committed to professional ethics and its noble values."