The High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has called for preserving the citizen's right to vigilant and safe media content, following a recent case involving an on-air staging of fictitious crimes and the dissemination of false information during a radio broadcast. In a public statement released on Thursday, HACA is monitoring the legal proceedings against those accused of fabricating fictitious crimes, insulting a constituted body, and spreading false information during a radio program. Taking into consideration the principle of presumption of innocence, HACA recalls certain principles governing radio and television services, particularly regarding their responsibility for preserving citizens' safety. These principles, based on the Constitution and existing legal frameworks, do not infringe upon the editorial freedom of audiovisual operators. They even contribute to the preservation of this freedom, which is the foundation of media practice and the right to information. HACA emphasizes that «the establishment by the legislator of the principle of editorial responsibility of radio and television services and the duty of control over broadcasts is not an end in itself. It is rather a means of preserving the citizen's right, as listeners and viewers, to access trustworthy, vigilant, and safe media content. This is not contradictory to the principle of freedom of audiovisual communication and the freedom of choice of operators in terms of program style and production». HACA works to ensure all information and programs are honest and truthful, both in terms of editorial content produced by professionals and content involving citizens' testimonies. The ultimate goal of the regulator is to prevent misleading the audience regarding information accuracy and the identity of those interviewed. This ensures access to quality information that adheres to professional ethics. Therefore, HACA urges all audiovisual operators to redouble their efforts in promoting responsible media practices and limiting the impact of harmful behaviors from the unregulated digital space, which can have serious real-world consequences. For the record, the prosecutor at the Casablanca Court of First Instance decided, Tuesday, to prosecute radio host Mohamed Bousfiha, known as «Momo», on a bail of 100,000 dirhams. The charges include «participating in insulting and broadcasting data that he knows does not exist». The public prosecution also decided to prosecute two other people on charges of fabricating a fictitious crime and insulting an organized body. These individuals were referred to Ain Sebaa local prison.
