News : Living : Morocco tries 2 journalists on morals

Morocco tries 2 journalists on morals

Monday, 8-Jan-2007 10:50AM EDT
Story from United Press International. Copyright 2007 by United Press International (via ClariNet)

CASABLANCA, Morocco, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The government of Morocco put two journalists on trial in Casablanca on Monday, charging them with defaming Islam and damaging public morality.

Driss Ksikes and Sanaa al-Aji were charged following the Dec. 21 publication of Nichane magazine, which explored popular jokes on religion, sex and politics. The same day, Moroccan Prime Minister Driss Jettou ordered a ban on the sale and public display of the magazine.

Middle East Online reported the courtroom was packed with fellow journalists, members of rights groups and a representative of press watchdog Reporters Sans Frontieres when writer Aji took the stand.

"I have always respected religion and society," Aji said. "All I did is report to readers a phenomenon Moroccans are seeing in jokes and anecdotes."

Prosecutors claim attacking religion is one of the most serious offenses a journalist can commit, and if convicted, Aji, and editor Ksikes face up to five years in jail and hefty fines, the BBC reported.

Add to:
Fark
Digg
Del.icio.us
reddit
MyWeb

Forums: Morocco tries 2 journalists on morals

Tags Related to Morocco tries 2 journalists on morals

popularq.net is an independent survey program and is not affiliated with any of the listed products or retailers. popularq.net programs are provided for entertainment purposes only. The survey results are not scientific and reflects th e opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent the opinions of I nternet users in general, nor the public as a whole. Trademarks, service marks, logos, and/or domain names (including, without limit ation, the individual names of products and retailers) are the property of their respective owners, who have no association with or make any endorsement of the products or services provided by popularq.net. popularq.net does not provide any free products. popularq .com does not keep any personal identifiable information. Make sure to check the terms of conditions and privacy statements of all a dvertisers. popularq.net is not responsible for advertisers content or functionality of advertiser sites.