International   

Al-Jazeera fined

RABAT: A court fined Al-Jazeera bureau chief in Morocco and a human rights campaigner the equivalent of $6,945 each on Friday on charges of conspiracy and spreading false information.

Hassan Rachidi and Ibrahim Sbai Ellail, an activist from the Moroccan Center for Human Rights, were charged following June 7 clashes between security forces and demonstrators in the southwestern port city of Sidi Ifni who protested against poverty and unemployment. Moroccan authorities rejected as “false” and “absurd” Al-Jazeera reports of deaths in Sidi Ifni at the time. Authorities said 48 people were injured, including 28 police officers, but that there were no deaths. Though Al-Jazeera reported the government’s denial, the chief prosecutor’s office in Rabat, the capital, ordered a probe to determine the origin of the report of deaths.

Mr. Rachidi was interrogated by the judiciary police for four hours and he was charged on June 14 with publishing false information and conspiracy. The Moroccan Information Ministry withdrew his media accreditation.

— AP

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Fears rise over U.S. “hot pursuit” into Pakistan
Peace deal closer than ever: Olmert
France challenges U.S. diplomacy in W. Asia
32 Tigers killed, says Colombo
Al-Jazeera fined
Madhes demand leaves many “confused”
In flying spirits
No decision on transit: Dhaka
U.K. Indian jailed for “biggest” bank fraud
Pakistan seeks removal of ‘air of mistrust’

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu