Moroccan Journalist's Defamation Conviction Sparks Global Outcry

Moroccan journalist Hamid Mahdaoui was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison and fined for defamation. The case, resulting from his allegations against Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, has drawn international criticism for using Morocco's penal code rather than the press code. Press freedom advocates decry the misuse of the justice system.

In a landmark case that has drawn international scrutiny, Moroccan journalist Hamid Mahdaoui was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison on Monday for defamation charges.

Mahdaoui accused a prominent politician, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, of fraud, allegations which Ouahbi has denied. The legal proceedings have raised alarms among press freedom advocates, who argue Mahdaoui should have been tried under Morocco's press code, not its penal system.

The case occurs amid heightened tensions over Morocco's treatment of journalists. Critics see it as a misuse of the judicial system intended to suppress media freedom.

(With inputs from agencies.)