Moroccan journalists face charges of defaming Qaddafi

'The Committee to Protect Journalists is dismayed by the start of court proceedings today against five Moroccan journalists charged with "publicly harming" Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi, left, and "hurting his dignity." The brief court hearing, attended by a CPJ representative, was adjourned until June 1 at the request of the journalists' lawyers, who learned today that the case was filed by the public prosecutor following a protest from the Libyan Embassy in Rabat. Under Article 52 of Morocco's press law, the journalists face up to one year in jail and fines up to 100, 000 dirhams (US$12, 090) if convicted on the defamation charges.'

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URL Link: http://cpj.org/2009/05/five-moroccan-journalists-face-charges-of-defaming.php

Author Organisation: Committee to Protect Journalists