Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has ordered the release of jailed journalists Taoufik Bouachrine, Omar Radi, and Soulaimane Raisouni as part of a royal pardon benefiting
2,476 convicts, a government source reported on Monday. The decision marks a humane gesture on the 25th anniversary of the king’s reign, annulling their prison sentences while maintaining the rights of the victims, the source added.
According to the Moroccan constitution, the king has the authority to pardon or commute sentences, a decision typically made on national days.
The three journalists, known for their outspoken criticism of public policies, had been convicted on charges including sexual assault, which they denied.
Human rights defenders had condemned their trials as politically motivated.
Editor-in-chief Taoufiq Bouachrine was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2018, while Omar Radi and Soulaimane Raisouni were sentenced in 2021 to 6 years and 5 years, respectively.
Additionally, the King pardoned 16 inmates convicted on extremism and terrorism charges after they reviewed their positions, according to Morocco’s justice ministry.
