# Moroccan media restrictions and migration enforcement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/moroccan-media-restrictions-and-migration-enforcement
> Updated: 2026-08-16T10:29:02.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Moroccan authorities ordered news teams from RTVE and Agencia EFE to leave Castillejos while covering migration near the Ceuta border. RTVE expressed ‘most energetic rejection’ of the verbal order, which lacked formal written justification, arguing the move limits access to information in a high-interest zone.

During this period, Moroccan security forces detained 294 individuals attempting to enter Ceuta, consisting of 248 sub-Saharan migrants and 46 Moroccan citizens. Furthermore, 61 people were arrested in Morocco for allegedly using social media to incite irregular migration. The Spanish government stated it defends ‘press freedom in every place and under all circumstances,’ with its embassy in Rabat engaging with Moroccan authorities to address the situation.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Morocco expels journalists and detains hundreds near Ceuta border

Moroccan authorities expelled RTVE and EFE journalists from Castillejos during migration coverage near Ceuta, while detaining hundreds of individuals attempting to cross the border.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-expels-journalists-and-detains-hundreds-near-ceuta-border

### 2026-08-15: Journalists in Egypt and Morocco face distinct professional developments

Journalists in Egypt participated in a lottery for free Umrah trips, while the Moroccan Regional Press Association condemned insults directed at media professionals during a festival in El Jadida.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/journalists-in-egypt-and-morocco-face-distinct-professional-developments

---
Cite as: Moroccan media restrictions and migration enforcement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/moroccan-media-restrictions-and-migration-enforcement