Franco-Moroccan Journalist Rachid M’Barki Confesses: “Yes, I Received Money to Broadcast Biased Topics on BFM TV!”
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a surprising turn of events, Franco-Moroccan journalist Rachid M’Barki has finally admitted to his actions following his detention. However, this admission was not voluntary, as investigators found his Moroccan bank account details on his phone, indicating several significant money transfers. The transfers, totaling regular amounts of 20,000 euros, were made in exchange for M’Barki consistently using the term “Sahara marocain” (Moroccan Sahara) whenever addressing the Western Sahara issue. The Western Sahara has been a longstanding conflict where the indigenous population, colonized and oppressed by Morocco, has been fighting for independence and the right to self-determination since the infamous Green March in 1975.
According to Le Parisien, M’Barki stated, “I admit to having been paid to broadcast biased topics on BFM TV. I have received sums of money. Yes, I admit to the acts of passive corruption.” These belated confessions contradict M’Barki’s previous denials since the BFMTV scandal unfolded.
To recap, M’Barki was indicted on December 19 for suspected interference and manipulation at BFM TV. In recent months, he has relocated to Morocco, using the ill-gotten gains from corruption alongside his wife to establish a consulting firm in an attempt to evade French justice. The BFMTV scandal is intertwined with previous criminal cases, such as the Pegasus spyware affair, where Moroccan spies used the software against journalists, lawyers, and activists from Western Sahara, Algeria, France, and Spain.
Another related scandal is the Morocco-gate, where millions of euros were spent on cash and lavish gifts to influence the votes and positions of European Parliament members regarding the illegal occupation of Western Sahara and human rights issues.
These revelations underscore the close links between the BFMTV scandal and previous incidents involving espionage, corruption, and influence peddling orchestrated by Moroccan diplomats and intelligence services.
The admission by M’Barki raises questions about the methods used by Moroccan authorities to achieve their goals, highlighting a pattern of resorting to blackmail and corruption to advance their agenda, as seen in various international affairs and diplomatic maneuvers, including Morocco’s election to the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council.
Translated from: La Patrie News
https://lapatrienews.dz/le-franco-marocain-rachid-mbarki-passe-a-table-oui-jai-touche-de-largent/
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