TV Amazigh reporter Souad Wasef and cameraman Mohamed Bouljihel were verbally and physically attacked by the police while trying to cover the Covid-19 lockdown’s impact on local market activity in Tilfet, a town near Rabat, during Ramadan.
As well as harassing Wasef verbally, the local police chief slapped her twice and pushed her to the ground. Bouljihel sustained an injury to his arm when he tried to prevent the police from confiscating his camera.
“We condemn this unacceptable behaviour by the police, who exceeded their prerogatives,” said Souahieb Khayati, the head of RSF’s North Africa desk. “The coronavirus crisis must not be used as an excuse to harass journalists who are just trying to do their job. The judicial authorities must identify and punish those responsible. As police officers, an example must be made of them.”
Morocco imposed a drastic lockdown on 20 March that has been extended until 20 May. This is the first incident of its kind in the country, which has reported more than 5,000 Covid-19 cases and nearly 180 deaths.
Morocco is ranked 133rd out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2020 World Press Freedom Index.
