Morocco’s opposition is urging King Mohammed VI to pardon former Human Rights Minister Mohamed Ziane, who is imprisoned on charges viewed as politically motivated. Rights groups criticize his trial as unfair, with claims of retribution for his advocacy for press freedom. The situation highlights growing tensions surrounding dissent and the treatment of political prisoners in Morocco.
Morocco’s opposition parties are intensifying their calls for King Mohammed VI to grant a royal pardon to Mohamed Ziane, an 81-year-old former Human Rights Minister who is currently imprisoned. Charged with corruption and embezzlement, rights groups regard his five-year sentence as politically motivated. The Justice and Development Party (PJD), an Islamist opposition faction, appealed to the king to consider Ziane’s circumstances and the humanitarian implications of his detention.
Ziane, a prominent lawyer and founder of the Moroccan Liberal Party, contends that the charges against him are fabricated and a retaliatory measure for his defense of journalists and political activists. Ali Reda Ziane, his son and lawyer, denounces the trial as unjust. Ziane’s current sentence is in addition to a previous three-year conviction stemming from charges of defamation and other offenses.
Human rights organizations have condemned Ziane’s trial, labeling it as an attempt to suppress dissent. The Moroccan Association in Support of Political Prisoners has branded the case as a strategy to undermine and silence Ziane’s voice in civil society. Notably, Ziane previously served as Minister of Human Rights, during which time he was critical of the Moroccan government’s actions.
The Moroccan opposition has persistently advocated for the release of Ziane and other political prisoners connected to the 2016 Hirak Rif protests. These protests aimed to address social and economic grievances within the marginalized Rif region, leading to the imprisonment of notable figures like Nasser Zefzafi.
Proposals for Ziane’s release have been made in the past, including a failed amnesty bill from the Moroccan Socialist Party. Historically, King Mohammed VI exercises his royal pardon powers during significant national events, like the Eid celebrations following Ramadan. However, this process often requires prisoners to request clemency and renounce any future dissent, a condition seen by activists as degrading.
Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi articulated that detainees must seek forgiveness from the King, who he regarded as a paternal figure of the nation. Local activists emphasize that Ziane’s case is emblematic of broader issues concerning freedom of expression in Morocco, arguing that “dissent has a price.” Furthermore, over the past year, numerous activists involved in pro-Palestine protests faced similar punitive measures in response to their organized dissent against official policies.
The current political climate in Morocco showcases a tense relationship between the state and opposition voices, particularly those advocating for human rights and political freedom. Mohamed Ziane, with a significant history as a government official and human rights advocate, represents this struggle. His case is intertwined with broader governmental crackdowns on dissent and efforts to stifle opposition amid calls for political reform following public protests. The political landscape is characterized by concerns over transparency, fairness in judicial processes, and the consequences faced by those who oppose the ruling authorities.
In conclusion, the push for a royal pardon for Mohamed Ziane by Morocco’s opposition emphasizes critical issues regarding governmental repression and the treatment of political dissenters in the country. Ziane’s case illustrates the precarious position of activists who challenge state policies and the lengths to which authorities may go to suppress dissenting opinions. The ongoing dialogue around this matter reflects broader themes of justice, human rights, and the need for reform in Morocco.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
