Spanish journalists demand release of colleague arrested in Morocco

Prominent Spanish journalist organizations are calling for the immediate release of Ali Lmrabet, a journalist residing in Spain for over two decades who was recently arrested in Morocco. The College of Journalists of Catalonia and the Federation of Associations of Journalists of Spain (FAPE) have formally requested Moroccan authorities to free Lmrabet, who was detained at Tangier airport and subsequently transferred to Casablanca.

According to Lmrabet's associates, the charges against him reportedly involve disseminating false information and actions against state institutions. The Spanish journalist groups contend that these accusations are solely related to the exercise of freedom of expression. Lmrabet, a Moroccan-born journalist known for his critical stance on the Moroccan political system, previously directed publications like Le Journal and Demain and has collaborated with various international media outlets. Reporteros Sin Fronteras recognized him as one of the "100 heroes of information" in 2014.

These organizations emphasize that practicing journalism is not a crime and that detaining information professionals for their work constitutes a grave violation of press freedom. They urge Moroccan authorities to clarify Lmrabet's legal situation, ensure he receives full procedural guarantees, and facilitate his swift return home. The FAPE specifically labeled Lmrabet's arrest as a "clear violation" of his right to practice journalism freely and urged the Moroccan government to "immediately release" him.

Lmrabet, who holds both Moroccan and French nationality, has been based in Spain since 2005. He previously faced multiple prosecutions and imprisonment in Morocco, leading to a 10-year ban from practicing journalism there. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) has also demanded his release, warning against transforming publication and press cases into criminal proceedings, which they deem a severe infringement on press and expression freedoms.