Morocco bans TV network

3 Nov 2010

The Moroccan government has suspended all operations by the pan-Arab television network Al-Jazeera in the country for allegedly failing to follow the "rules of serious and responsible journalism".

The Qatar-based network condemned Friday's (29 October 2010) decision and said its editorial guidelines would not be affected by the closure of its bureau in Rabat and the withdrawal of accreditation for its local staff. Press freedom watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists called on Morocco's Ministry of Communications to revoke the ban.

A statement published by the official Moroccan News Agency said that the ministry found that Al-Jazeera's coverage "seriously distorted Morocco's image and manifestly damaged its interests, most notably its territorial integrity".

Source: Panos London

Panos London promotes the participation of poor and marginalised people in national and international development debates through media and communication projects. It is part of the worldwide Panos Network of independent institutes working to ensure that information is used more effectively to foster debate, pluralism and democracy.

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