Morocco: Journalist Anas Guennoun released but now in hiding
The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) has welcomed the release from prison of Anas Guennoun, director of the weekly newspaper "Al Ahali". According to reports, Guennoun was released during the first week of August 2004. On 2 April, Guennoun had received a 10-month prison sentence for defamation. The sentence appeared to stem from an article written by the journalist that allegedly defamed a politician.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT UPDATE - MOROCCO
13 August 2004
Journalist Anas Guennoun released but now in hiding
SOURCE: Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), International PEN, London
**Updates IFEX alert of 9 April 2004**
(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release from prison
of Anas Guennoun, director of the weekly newspaper "Al Ahali". According to
reports received by International PEN, Guennoun was released during the
first week of August 2004.
On 2 April, Guennoun had received a 10-month prison sentence for defamation.
The sentence appeared to stem from an article written by the journalist that
allegedly defamed a politician.
Since his release from prison, Guennoun has been sentenced to an eight-month
prison sentence in relation to a separate defamation charge, and following
the sentencing his immediate arrest was ordered by the court.
The prison sentence apparently expires a year after being handed down and it
has been reported that Guennoun has gone into hiding in order to avoid
serving it.
For further information, contact Sara Birch at the WiPC, International PEN,
9/10 Charterhouse Buildings, Goswell Road, London EC1M 7AT, U.K., tel: +44
207 253 3226, fax: +44 207 253 5711, e-mail: [email protected],
[email protected], Internet: http://www.internationalpen.org.uk
The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of
WiPC. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
WiPC.
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