Reporters Without Borders (RSF) firmly condemns the use of the Penal Code to the detriment of the law on the press and publishing in the trial of Hamid El Mahdaoui. The journalist was sentenced on November 11 to 18 months in prison and a fine of 130,000 euros for «spreading false allegations» and «defamation». RSF calls for the annulment of this decision, deemed unfair. The origin of this case is a complaint by the Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi (PAM), regarding a video published on July 11, 2023, on the website Badil.info, where Hamid El Mahdaoui mentioned potentially compromising elements. The journalist believes that this procedure reflects a double standard in justice: «How can I be treated fairly if the Penal Code is applied to me, while another journalist who published similar facts was judged according to the press law?» he declared to RSF. This conviction comes after advances in press freedom, notably the royal pardon granted in July 2024 to eight journalists, including Taoufik Bouachrine and Omar Radi. RSF deplores this step backward: «The use of criminal law to convict a journalist is an alarming signal. The Moroccan justice system must annul this decision to restore a climate favorable to a free press and the right to information». In 2017, Hamid El Mahdaoui had already served a three-year sentence for «failing to report a crime» in connection with his coverage of the Rif Hirak. Morocco ranks 129th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index established by RSF.
