Morocco releases journalists, pardons 2,476 prisoners

"This is a humanitarian gesture to mark the 25th anniversary of the king's reign, to remove the prison sentence and protect the rights of the victims," the source said.

King Mohammed VI. Photo: AFP

Morocco's constitution allows the king to pardon or commute sentences, usually done on national holidays.

The three journalists released were Taoufik Bouachrine, Omar Radi and Soulaimane Raisouni, who were outspoken critics of public policy and had been convicted on charges including sexual assault, which they deny.

Editor-in-chief Taoufiq Boachrine was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2018, Omar Radi and Soulaimane Raisouni were sentenced to six and five years in prison respectively in 2021.

The king also pardoned 16 prisoners convicted of extremism and terrorism "after they changed their minds", according to a statement from Morocco's Justice Ministry .

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/morocco-tra-tu-do-cho-3-nha-bao-an-xa-cho-2476-pham-nhan-post305482.html