Morocco Pardons Journalists Imprisoned for Critical Reporting

King Mohammed VI's 25th Throne Day sees release of three journalists condemned by rights groups for politically motivated charges.

Overview

Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raissouni, and Taoufik Bouachrine were among those pardoned.
Rights organizations criticized their prosecutions as retaliation against critical journalism.
The journalists faced charges including sexual assault and espionage, which they denied.
International bodies like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International condemned the imprisonments.
Morocco ranks 129th on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.