Morocco’s opposition is urging King Mohammed VI to pardon former Human Rights Minister Mohamed Ziane, who is serving a five-year sentence deemed politically motivated. Ziane, a lawyer and founder of the Moroccan Liberal Party, faces accusations of corruption linked to a past election campaign, claims his supporters strongly refute. This case has sparked calls for broader reforms regarding political dissent in Morocco, especially following significant protests in recent years.
Morocco’s opposition parties are intensifying their appeals for King Mohammed VI to issue a royal pardon for Mohamed Ziane, the former Human Rights Minister, currently serving a five-year prison sentence. This call comes after rights organizations labeled his imprisonment as politically motivated. The Justice and Development Party (PJD), an Islamist opposition faction, has emphasized the need for the King to consider Ziane’s circumstances and the humanitarian implications of his case.
Ziane, an esteemed lawyer and founder of the Moroccan Liberal Party, received a sentence for alleged corruption and embezzlement tied to the 2015 election campaign. His son, Ali Reda Ziane, strongly rejects these accusations, arguing that the legal actions are punitive measures for Ziane’s advocacy on behalf of journalists and political dissenters. This five-year sentence follows a prior three-year term issued in 2022 over multiple offenses, which rights advocates claim were politically motivated.
Many human rights organizations have decried the trial process, asserting it was designed to belittle and suppress Ziane. Once a key figure in the Moroccan government, Ziane has voiced strong criticisms against the state, particularly concerning its methods regarding dissent. His reputation for defending political rights has drawn considerable attention, marking him as a target in the Moroccan government’s broader crackdown on opposition.
Moroccan opposition groups have consistently campaigned for royal pardons not only for Ziane but also for others imprisoned in connection with political dissent, particularly those involved in the Hirak Rif protests. This significant grassroots movement stressed claims for social justice in the Rif region. Following the protests, numerous activists received harsh sentences, including Nasser Zefzafi, who was sentenced to 20 years for undermining public order.
Efforts to secure Ziane’s release have been a recurring theme, highlighted by a failed amnesty bill presented by the Moroccan Socialist Party in 2022. Historically, King Mohammed VI has leveraged his exclusive mandate to grant pardons during national or religious events. Previously, he issued pardons to several jailed dissidents during his 25th-anniversary celebrations, with expectations of a forthcoming pardon during the Eid following Ramadan.
However, the process for such pardons necessitates that prisoners request forgiveness, a stipulation seen as demeaning by many activists. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi underscored this procedure in parliamentary discussions, indicating that it aligns with the greater public interest. Local activists assert that Ziane’s case embodies broader issues of dissent in Morocco, illustrating the often high costs associated with opposing the state.
The crackdown on dissent last year also extended to activists advocating for Palestinian causes, some of whom received sentences up to five years for opposing Morocco’s normalization with Israel. Such actions reflect a growing climate of repression against those who speak out against governmental policies.
The political landscape in Morocco has been marked by increasing tensions between the government and opposition parties, particularly regarding issues of human rights and freedom of expression. The imprisonment of political figures like Mohamed Ziane highlights the ongoing struggle for political dissenters in a nation where critical voices are often met with punitive measures. Opposition parties have continuously called for royal pardons, reflecting a demand for leniency in what they describe as politically charged cases, underscoring broader national aspirations for democracy and justice in Morocco. The Hirak Rif protests of 2016 were pivotal, as they exemplified widespread discontent regarding social, economic, and political inequality, leading to a government crackdown that resulted in heavy sentences for activists. This context is significant in understanding the implications of Ziane’s imprisonment, as it illustrates the government’s approach to controlling dissent and the potential ramifications for civil society in Morocco.
The calls for Mohamed Ziane’s release by opposition parties highlight significant concerns regarding political repression and the treatment of dissent in Morocco. His case exemplifies the broader issues of human rights in the country, evoking solidarity among various political factions. As opposition leaders urge for a royal pardon, they are addressing not only one individual’s plight but also the prevailing climate of fear surrounding freedom of speech and political advocacy in Morocco.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
