Moroccan website editor Ali Anouzla released provisionally
The editor of the Moroccan news and information website Lakome, Ali Anouzla, was released on bail on Friday 25 October after more than five weeks in detention
Anouzla was freed after a provisional release request filed by his lawyer, Hassan Semlali, on 22 October, was approved by a Rabat judge.
After his release he left Sale prison, near the capital Rabat, and was greeted by a crowd of supporters and journalists, but made no statements and still faces charges that could land him in prison for up to 20 years, according to the Associated Press.
“The investigative judge agreed this morning to our request for bail,” defense lawyer Hassan Semlali told the Associated Press. “Anouzla is still being accused of the same charges and continues to maintain his innocence.”
Anouzla was arrested on 17 September for posting an article that contained a link to a video posted by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). He was later charged with “defending and inciting terrorism”, his lawyers said on 25 September.
His next appearance before a judge has been set for 30 October.
Anouzla edits the Arabic-language version of the news website Lakome.info. Access to both Arabic and French-language versions have been blocked in Morocco since 17 October.
Ali Anouzla is well known in Morocco for his journalistic independence, columns critical of the government and calls for greater press freedom. His website Lakome has reported on issues of public interest, as well as cases of corruption involving Moroccan authorities since it was established in 2010.
A survey by Lakome showed on Sunday 27 October that 82.7 percent of those responding believe Anouzla’s detention is not solely due to publishing an article carrying a link to the video of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, but also because of Lakome’s editorial positions.
The investigation of Anouzla is to be conducted within the framework of Morocco’s anti-terrorist law.
In a letter initiated by International Media Support (IMS) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) over 60 Moroccan, North African, Middle Eastern and international freedom of expression and human rights organisations called for Anouzla’s release in September.
