A crew from Morocco’s 2M television channel faced repeated restrictions while trying to enter and report from Spain’s Ceuta enclave, including the seizure of its vehicle and professional filming equipment, Morocco’s National Press Union said.
The incident has triggered concerns over press access in Ceuta, where journalists have been covering the aftermath of a mass migration attempt from Morocco last month.
The 2M crew tried twice to enter Ceuta through the Bab Sebta land crossing but was unable to do so despite holding valid Schengen visas, according to the journalists. The team subsequently travelled by sea from Algeciras to reach the enclave.
The difficulties continued after their arrival.
2M journalist Mohamed Boubaker said members of the crew were subjected to additional checks by Spain’s Civil Guard, including searches and questioning. Authorities also seized the crew’s vehicle and filming equipment, he said.
Boubaker said one member of the crew was asked to produce a Schengen visa issued specifically by Spain, despite holding a valid visa issued by France.
Spanish authorities later released the vehicle and equipment but imposed conditions on their movement, according to the account. The equipment could leave Ceuta only toward Algeciras and then Morocco through the Tanger Med port, while its re-entry into Ceuta was prohibited.
As a result, two journalists remained in Ceuta and continued reporting using mobile phones after being unable to use their professional cameras. The rest of the team left with the vehicle and equipment.
The journalists were seeking to document conditions faced by young migrants in Ceuta following the recent mass arrivals. Footage recorded by the crew showed what it described as difficult living conditions, including shortages of food and water.
Morocco’s National Press Union condemned the measures as an “egregious restriction on press freedom”, saying they interfered with journalists’ right to access information and perform their professional duties.
The union said journalists should not be subject to political or security considerations and called on Ceuta authorities to respect international commitments on press freedom and access to information.
It said it would raise the case with the International Federation of Journalists, the African Journalists Union and the Union of Arab Journalists, while considering further professional action, including protests.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Ceuta after thousands of migrants attempted to reach the enclave in late July, putting renewed focus on border controls, migration and media access.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and no response from Spanish authorities was included in the information provided.