In a climate of mounting tensions within Morocco's media landscape, a silent protest is set for November 28 in Rabat, demanding the dissolution of the National Press Council and the withdrawal of Bill No. 26.25. This call to action, backed by over 220 journalists, comes following controversial leaked recording. The «Statement for the Dissolution of the National Press Council» committee has called for a silent protest on Friday, November 28, in front of the Ministry of Culture in Rabat. The demonstration aims to demand the immediate dissolution of the National Press Council, the withdrawal of Bill No. 26.25, and an end to what the organizers describe as «restrictions» on a free and independent press in Morocco. The call follows the release of a petition signed by more than 220 journalists calling for the dissolution of the council and an urgent, transparent investigation into what they describe as «serious violations» within the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the temporary body managing the press and publishing sector. These concerns were triggered by a leaked recording made public by journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui. The silent protest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. near the Mohammed V Theater and aims to denounce the tensions engulfing the media sector and the management of press affairs. The committee says its call is open to all citizens as well as civil society groups, political parties, and trade unions. Bensaid Rejects Calls to Dissolve the Council During a meeting of the Education and Social Affairs Committee at the House of Advisors on Wednesday, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid dismissed demands to dissolve the National Press Council. Bensaid described the council as «an effective and successful institution with an important role in our country's democratic process», adding that he «cannot accept any position aimed at weakening institutions or undermining their independence». He said he would not respond to «nihilists who see everything in black», and stressed that he is willing to engage only with those offering constructive proposals to strengthen institutions. «If a problem arises in parliament, do we declare it invalid? Do we call for the dissolution of political parties if an issue occurs?» he asked. The minister acknowledged that the council has both strengths and weaknesses but stressed that the ministry's responsibility is to consolidate institutions, not weaken them. Meanwhile, the National Syndicate of Moroccan Press, the Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers, and the National Union of Journalism, Media, and Communication have condemned the content of the leaked recording and called for a neutral and independent investigation to determine the full truth and assign responsibility. Several political parties, including the Justice and Development Party (PJD), the Unified Socialist Party (PSU), and the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), have also demanded an inquiry, describing the committee's actions as «arbitrary and retaliatory». Lawyers' associations likewise denounced the insults aimed at members of the legal profession and urged a thorough investigation. A number of MPs and advisors have expressed the same position. Apology to Lawyers Amid growing tensions, Khalid El Horri, a member of the Ethics Committee within the interim council, broke his silence and issued an apology to the president of the Bar Association and all lawyers. In a written message, he apologized to all lawyers affected by the leaked remarks, stressing his «firm and unwavering respect for the legal profession». The interim committee managing the press and publishing sector also issued a statement affirming its commitment to «an approach that respects all professional institutions, first and foremost the defense bodies». The statement, signed by committee president Younes Mjahed, condemned the manipulation of the video by Hamid El Mahdaoui and added: «I express my apology and deep regret for the publication and circulation of words that may have caused confusion or conveyed an incorrect impression, reaffirming my appreciation for the essential role of the legal profession». Apologies Rejected—Legal Action Pursued The apologies were swiftly rejected by some lawyers. Omar Daoudi, a member of the Rabat Bar and part of El Mahdaoui's defense team, said: «I can clearly distinguish between defending the profession and defending my personal rights as a lawyer who was a victim of a clear criminal act». He described the apologies as «unacceptable», arguing that they reflect «an arrogant mindset that does not acknowledge wrongdoing». Daoudi said the violations committed during the meeting were «unimaginable and incomprehensible» and accused the authors of the apologies of attempting to «isolate Hamid El Mahdaoui from his supporters», adding that he intends to pursue legal action against all those involved. Rachid Ait Belarbi, a lawyer from the Kenitra Bar and also a member of the defense team, criticized the apologies for focusing on the leak instead of acknowledging «explicit offenses committed against the legal profession and the lawyers who attended the National Press Council in support of journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui». He stated that this confirms the apology «does not stem from the courage to admit wrongdoing but from other motives». He confirmed that he has filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor at the Rabat Court of First Instance against the president of the interim committee and members of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.
