According to Amnesty International, at least four journalists and one academic have been denied access to books, newspapers, pens, and paper, along with being placed in prolonged solitary confinement. Rawya Rageh, Amnesty International’s Interim Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, characterized this situation as a “deliberate attack on their freedom of expression.” Not only is this treatment punitive and unnecessary, but it is also a form of torture that isolates intellectuals. Such isolation can lead to a loss of connection with the outside world, which is vital for their mental health, and ultimately undermine their ability to exercise their right to freedom of expression.
The case of Rida Benotmane, a writer and member of the Moroccan Association for the Defence of Human Rights, illustrates the arbitrary nature of the censorship and prohibitions in Moroccan prisons. He has been held without access to a pen or paper since September 2022 and has only been allowed to read certain books that pass through an arbitrary censoring process by the prison authorities. According to a family member, “anything political is forbidden,” even the replace “Kabul” in a book title. This situation highlights the need for a more transparent and fair review process to ensure that prisoners have access to a diverse range of writings that should not be suppressed because of political differences.
The case of Taoufik Bouachrine’s manuscript and notes being confiscated from prison authorities demonstrate how this form of censorship can have a long-lasting impact. While initially able to write and study in prison, his work was taken away, causing writer’s block due to fear that it would be confiscated again. This fear is understandable, given that prison guards have destroyed Omar Radi’s writing, who happened to be an investigative journalist and vocal critic of the government’s human rights record. Omar was sentenced to six years in prison on charges of rape and espionage after a grossly unfair trial.
The situation becomes even more heartbreaking considering that writers and journalists have found a way to communicate with each other through writing letters, as was the case between journalists Soulaiman Raissouni and Omar Radi. However, their correspondence was halted when prison guards confiscated their letters, preventing them from publishing a book called “the Sunday letters.” Prison guards also confiscated the novel being written by Soulaiman Raissouni, which prompted him to take a vow of silence in protest of this cruel and arbitrary act.
Given this situation, Morocco must end its cruelty against imprisoned journalists and academics. The rights to free expression and access to information are fundamental human rights and should not be curtailed, especially in the name of national security or political stability. Morocco should release all such prisoners arrested solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression, abide by the United Nation’s Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and ensure that inmates are not arbitrarily restricted from accessing books, newspapers, pens, and paper. Such actions will demonstrate Morocco‘s commitment to human rights and freedom of expression while also supporting its growth and development as a democratic nation.
<< photo by Toa Heftiba >>