Rights advocates call for the release of Fouad Abdelmoumni, sentenced to six months’ prison for a Facebook post alleging Moroccan espionage against France. Nearly 300 signatories argue that the case reflects repression in the region and highlights the need for freedom of expression. They urge the annulment of his sentence and the liberation of all political prisoners in Morocco and the Maghreb.
In a significant call to action, nearly 300 rights advocates and experts from North Africa and France have petitioned for the release of activist Fouad Abdelmoumni, who has been sentenced to prison for allegedly “spreading false allegations” online. His six-month sentence stems from a Facebook post claiming that Morocco engaged in espionage against France, a charge that many feel should have been handled under the press code rather than the penal code.
The petition, with 295 signatures to date, emphasizes that Abdelmoumni’s case exemplifies a broader trend of governmental repression in the region aimed at silencing advocates of freedom of expression and human rights. The advocates urge the annulment of his sentence and the release of all political prisoners in Morocco and other Maghreb nations.
Notable signatories of the petition include former Doctors Without Borders president Rony Brauman, historian Sophie Bessis, and Tunisian activists Mokhat Trifi and Sana Ben Achour. In his post, Abdelmoumni reiterated accusations against Morocco regarding espionage activities involving France, coinciding with a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron, which was pivotal in improving diplomatic relations between the two countries that had been strained due to these allegations.
Prosecutors contend that Abdelmoumni’s statements harmed Morocco’s interests and exceeded the bounds of freedom of expression, constituting legal offenses. These statements come against the backdrop of past allegations that Morocco utilized Israeli-made spyware to surveil prominent figures, including President Macron, claims that Morocco has rejected as unfounded. The technology in question, developed by NSO Group, has been associated with serious privacy breaches due to its ability to access personal data on mobile devices.
The situation surrounding Fouad Abdelmoumni underscores the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom of expression in Morocco and the broader Maghreb region. The collective voice of nearly 300 advocates highlights the urgent need for reforms in how governments approach political dissent and freedom of speech. The call to annul Abdelmoumni’s sentence reflects a wider demand for justice and respect for civil liberties. Moreover, this case serves as a reminder of the tensions in diplomatic relations influenced by issues of espionage and surveillance, reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability in government actions involving human rights.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
