Religions > Atheism > News: Government says attacking religion is one of the most serious offences a journalist can commit.
| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Michael Gray" |
| Date: |
17 Jan 2007 12:35:58 AM |
| Object: |
News: Government says attacking religion is one of the most serious offences a journalist can commit. |
Morocco reporters defend article
By Richard Hamilton
BBC News, Casablanca
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6239825.stm
"A Moroccan magazine editor accused of defaming Islam and damaging
morality by printing articles about religious jokes has defended his
position in court.
Nichane magazine's Driss Ksikes, who is on trial in Casablanca with
magazine journalist Sanaa al-Aji, denied the articles were intended be
offensive.
The prosecutor urged sentences of three to five years, saying
journalists must balance liberties and responsibilities.
The judges have retired and a verdict is expected later this month.
'Funny society'
Following the publication of the articles, Moroccan authorities closed
the magazine down and withdrew copies of it from newspaper stands.
The article that has caused such an outcry looked at popular jokes on
religion, sex and politics.
Mr Ksikes told the court he believed Morocco was a funny society.
To ask the magazine why it told the jokes would be like asking the
French playwright Moliere why he made people laugh, Mr Ksikes said.
Ms Aji added that the jokes shed light on society and were in common
usage, but they did not reflect her own beliefs.
Media reform
The journalists, who have received death threats, said they were not
making fun of religion.
They have, however, issued a public apology.
They are supported by international organisations such as Reporters
Without Frontiers, which says this is a serious blow for press
freedom.
But the government does not see it that way, and says that attacking
religion is one of the most serious offences a journalist can commit.
Since the death of the previous king, Morocco has been undergoing a
period of modernisation and media reform has been part of that
process.
However, this case may turn back the clock to the days when Moroccans
had to be very careful about what they said."
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