Press council voices concern over Moroccan journalists’ safety in Algeria

The Moroccan Press Council has asked the African Football Federation (CAF) to ensure Moroccan reporters receive a fair treatment during their coverage of the Africa U23 Cup of Nations known as CHAN.

In a letter to CAF, the council urged CAF to ensure Moroccan reporters enjoy the freedom of movement and have the right to cover the sporting event “without oppressive, political or diplomatic restrictions.”

During the Mediterranean games- hosted last year in Oran- Algerian authorities barred access to most Moroccan journalists after subjecting them to degrading treatment at the airport and confiscating their equipment. The same practice was endured by Moroccan journalists during their failed attempt to cover the Arab league Summit in Algiers.

Separately, Morocco’s football federation is still waiting for a response for its letter to CAF in which it asked for the permission to have a direct flight between Rabat and Constantine, the venue where Morocco’s U23 national team will play its group matches as part of CHAN.

Algeria has sealed its airspace to all Moroccan aircraft in a series of hostile acts including Algiers’ unilateral break of diplomatic ties and its halt of a gas pipeline deal, to mention but a few.

Cameroun has voiced similar safety concerns for its players and fans after Algeria engaged in a heinous campaign acting as bad losers after their country lost to Cameroun in a decisive World Cup qualifying game.

Libya said its participation in CHAN is shrouded in doubt citing financial issues.