CASABLANCA, Morocco, May 16 (UPI) -- Morocco is putting a journalist on trial for defending human rights, Amnesty International said Monday.
The group called for the immediate release of Rachid Nini, who is set go on trial in Casablanca Tuesday on charges of "undermining of a judicial decision, attempt to influence the judiciary, and reporting on untrue criminal offenses."
Nini, editor of the el-Massa daily newspaper, was arrested April 28 after publishing articles criticizing torture by security forces and rigged trials of Islamic activists, Amnesty said. He also has advocated greater freedom in Morocco and exposed official corruption.
"The detention of Rachid Nini runs completely counter to reform promises King Mohammed VI made earlier this year, where he promised to strengthen human rights," Amnesty International said.
The king announced the establishment of a National Human Rights Council and other steps in March in response to the Arab uprisings.
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/05/16/Moroccos-trial-of-journalist-protested/UPI-97491305571957/#ixzz1MY06GwhV
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