Moroccan Journalist Abdellatif El-Hammouchi Exposes Escalating Repression in the Kingdom: “Morocco is Currently Experiencing its Worst Period”
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– In a candid and revealing interview with the Spanish newspaper “Independiente,” Moroccan journalist and human rights activist Abdellatif El-Hammouchi has shed light on the alarming escalation of repressive measures taken by the Makhzen against journalists and human rights advocates in Morocco. El-Hammoushi, one of the last independent voices in a kingdom plagued by censorship, detailed the profound challenges faced by individuals who dare to challenge the status quo.
El-Hammouchi’s words carry significant weight, as he speaks from a position of personal experience and an acute understanding of the risks involved in his work. With unparalleled candor, he declared, “Morocco is currently living through its worst period,” underscoring the pervasive climate of fear that has gripped elites and dissenting voices alike. He further added, “The Makhzen tyranny has killed the independent press in the Kingdom.”
The journalist’s poignant interview offers a harrowing glimpse into the relentless crackdown on freedom of expression in Morocco. What once might have been perceived as persecution of activists has now extended its sinister grasp to encompass their families. El-Hammouchi’s revelations paint a grim picture of an oppressive regime willing to employ tactics of intimidation and harassment in an effort to silence those who seek to expose injustice.
Described by “Independiente” as a courageous journalist unafraid to challenge authority, El-Hammouchi has become a symbol of resilience in a country where freedoms are stifled and censorship is rampant. His fellow journalists and human rights advocates find themselves unjustly imprisoned on what international human rights organizations view as fabricated charges.
The journalist’s insights into the challenges he faces on a daily basis offer a sobering reality check. He vividly portrays the self-censorship imposed on journalists to avoid persecution, noting that the Moroccan system has zero tolerance for criticism. El-Hammouchi also exposes the monarchy’s tight control over media outlets, illustrating how this control extends to the very narrative presented to the public.
Undeterred by the risks he faces, El-Hammouchi continues to publish news reports on the human rights situation in Morocco in foreign media. He bravely admits to living under the constant surveillance of the police, who at times tail his every move. Even more concerning is the intense defamation campaign waged against him through media outlets affiliated with the Moroccan security apparatus. Such outlets have labeled him a “traitor” and an “agent of foreign countries,” attempting to discredit his credibility and smear his reputation.
In the interview, El-Hammouchi clarifies his stance: “I do not consider myself an opponent, and I do not speak against the regime, but the regime is directed against me.” He emphasizes his commitment to balanced and objective reporting, promising to acknowledge positive decisions made by the regime while critiquing the opposite. He concludes, “We live in a police system.”
Abdellatif El-Hammouchi’s candid interview serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and activists in Morocco. His unwavering dedication to reporting the truth, even in the face of mounting pressures and threats, highlights the critical importance of press freedom in any society. As international attention turns toward the Kingdom’s repressive practices, the world is left to contemplate the fragile state of human rights and the struggle for truth in Morocco.
