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6 clusters · 15 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

Moroccan media sector regulatory and political disputes

Overview

Tensions have escalated within the Moroccan media sector involving professional associations and regulatory or political entities. The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers has denounced the Provisional Committee for the Management of the Press and Publishing Sector after it rejected 69 out of 74 applications for nominations to the National Press Council. The Federation, led by President Mohtat Regass, described the decision as a “massacre of pluralism” and a systematic attempt to exclude independent voices. The rejected files include established outlets such as “Al Alam”, “L'Opinion”, “Al Bayan”, and “Bayan Al Yaoum”, alongside various regional and Sahrawi news sites. The Federation characterized the administrative process as “surreal,” noting that the Committee demanded additional documentation under tight deadlines and ultimately approved only five applications despite the submission of required files. In response to these exclusions, the Federation has threatened to withdraw from the formation of the National Press Council entirely unless the decisions are reversed and explained. The organization further labeled the current legal framework “catastrophic and regressive,” criticizing government management of the process. On September 15, 2026, the integrity of the National Press Council elections was challenged by reports of severe logistical failures. The National Center for Media and Human Rights and the National Syndicate of Moroccan Press reported significant irregularities, including overcrowding, long queues, and inadequate facilities. Specific concerns were raised regarding the secrecy of the ballot, with reports of voters discussing choices via mobile phones. In Rabat, poor lighting reportedly forced organizers to use phone lights to facilitate voting. Staff members also reportedly worked shifts exceeding 15 hours without sufficient food, water, or rest. On September 21, 2026, the National Press Council elected its new leadership following the implementation of Law No. 09.26. Mokhtar Laghzioui was elected President with 11 votes, defeating Abdullah El Baqqali, who received 3 votes.

Entities

National Press Council · Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers · Al Alam · Amine El Khiari · Abdelkbir Akhchichane

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 5 sources
    Rabat court annuls Abdelkbir Akhchichane's election to National Press Council

    Morocco's Administrative Court in Rabat has annulled Abdelkbir Akhchichane's election to the National Press Council due to his retired status and insufficient professional documentation.

  2. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    National Press Council elects Mokhtar Laghzioui as President

    Morocco's National Press Council has elected Mokhtar Laghzioui as President and Hanan Rehab as Vice President, concluding a transitional period under new regulatory laws.

  3. [POLITICS] 7 sources
    Moroccan press groups criticize National Press Council election logistics

    Moroccan press unions and rights groups have condemned the National Press Council elections, citing logistical failures, overcrowding, and breaches of ballot secrecy.

  4. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers threatens withdrawal from Press Council formation

    The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers threatens to withdraw from the National Press Council formation, citing the exclusion of 69 media companies and criticizing regressive media laws.

  5. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Moroccan publishers boycott Popular Movement Party activities

    Morocco’s National Association of Media and Publishers has boycotted the Popular Movement Party and its leader, Mohamed Ouzzine, following insults directed at the association’s president.

  6. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers protests rejection of 69 media files

    The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers is protesting the rejection of 69 media applications by a provisional committee, calling the move an attack on media pluralism in the National Press Council.

Sources

achkayen.com · agadirtoday.com · akhbarona.com · al3omk.com · alaraby.co.uk · aljadidnews.ma · aljarida24.ma · alyaoum24.com · alyaoum7.ma · ar.consonews.ma · atlas24.ma · fesnews.net · hnews.ma · mcg24.com · tanjanews.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history