Morocco
A court in Morocco has increased Taoufik Bouachrine’s sentence to 15 years in prison for sexual violence.
The head of the independent daily Akhbar al-Yaoum newspaper was sentenced to 12 years in prison for human trafficking, abuse of power for sexual violence, rape and attempted rape.
Bouachrine has repeatedly denied this. His defense denounces what they call a political trial.
“Taoufik Bouachrine maintains his innocence on all charges. He wonders how he could have been charged with such terrible crimes as human trafficking and rape in the absence of any proof”, Abdelmoula Marouri said.
Known for his critical writing, the journalist boycotted the last appeal hearings to protest against methods by the prosecution. According to him, he was prevented from proving his innocence. However, Bouachrine insisted on exercising his right to speak on Friday by calling for a fair sentence.
“Taoufik Bouachrine says: I am just a journalist and not an opponent of any party. I am a simple journalist with my pen, I am not opposed to any institutions or the state”, Marouri added.
The head of Morocco’s most widely read Arabic-language daily newspaper was also fined 250,000 euros as compensation to the eight plaintiffs.
AFP
Go to video
Tunisian journalist sentenced to 6 months in prison for insulting an official
Go to video
Spain: 2 smugglers convicted for the death of 4 Moroccan migrants
01:03
Charges against Trump and Jan. 6 rioters at stake
01:22
Morocco opens Ivory Coast's largest mosque
01:35
Morocco: Rabab Cheddar chases Olympic dreams while fasting Ramadan
Go to video
Israel PM vows to shut down Al Jazeera