US State Department Criticism of Moroccan Journalist Trials Sparks Official Backlash

In a statement, the delegation led by Mustapha Ramid indicated that the statement of the US State Department spokesperson is based on "partial" information coming exclusively from the supporters of the accused.

"This information has deliberately obscured the point of view of the plaintiffs and their defenses, going so far as to deny their very status as victims and their universally recognized right to file a complaint," specified the Delegation, which expressed its surprise at the statement of the US State Department spokesperson.

According to it, Ned Price "refers only to the allegations of the convicted person, focusing on his professional status," and to alleged "violations of the standards of a fair trial," while the competent public prosecutor’s office in its press release of July 12, 2021 clearly highlighted the fair nature of the said trial.

In response to the aspect relating to the non-compliance with the constitution noted by the American spokesperson, the DIDH insisted that "Morocco, being committed to respecting the fundamental rights of all litigants, regardless of their status".

In this sense, "Morocco remains deeply committed to consolidating the values of individual and collective freedoms, in particular the freedoms of expression and association, which continue to develop, within the framework of a prosperous, tolerant and inclusive society, banishing arbitrariness, injustice and violence," concluded the Delegation.