Morocco: Editor ends hunger strike

**We apologise for any cross-posting - The following is being forwarded exactly
as received**

To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: Writers in Prison Committee, International PEN, [email protected]

RAPID ACTION NETWORK

4 July 2003

Update #3 to RAN 27/03

Morocco: Editor Ali Lmrabet ends hunger strike

On 23 June 2003, Ali Lmrabet ended his 47-day hunger strike. The end of his
hunger strike was announced by Prince Moulay Hicham al-Alaoui who had visited
the editor that day. Ali Lmrabet had also been visited on 23 June by Morocco's
official human rights body, the Human Rights Advisory Board.

Ali Lmrabet, editor of the newspapers Demain Magazine and Douman, was found
guilty of "insulting the person of the king" and of committing an "offence
against the monarchy" and "an offence against territorial integrity" on 12 May
2003 and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. The sentence was reduced to
three years' imprisonment on appeal on 17 June 2003.

Following his hunger strike, Ali Lmrabet is extremely weak and is reportedly
suffering from vision and kidney problems. International PEN is extremely
concerned that he may not be receiving adequate medical attention.

International PEN calls upon the Moroccan authorities to release Ali Lmrabet
immediately and unconditionally. PEN also calls upon the authorities to ensure
that Ali Lmrabet receives the medical attention that he requires.

Please send appeals:

- Calling for the quashing of Ali Lmbaret's sentence and his immediate
release;
- Urging the Moroccan authorities to ensure that Ali Lmrabet receives
adequate medical attention as a matter of urgency.

Appeals to:

King
His Majesty King Muhammad VI
The Royal Palace
Rabat
The Kingdom of Morocco
Fax: +212 37 76 85 15

Prime Minister
His Excellency Driss Jettou
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco
Rabat
Morocco
Fax: +212 37 769 995

Justice Minister
M. Mohamed BOUZOUBAA
Ministre de Justice
Ministère de la Justice
Place Mamounia
Rabat
Morocco
Fax: + 212 37 72 37 10

Human Rights Minister
M. Mohamed AOUJAR
Ministre des Droits de l'Homme
Ministère des Droits de l'Homme
47 Avenue Ibn Sina
Agdal
Rabat
Morocco
Fax: + 212 37 67 19 67

For further details contact Sara Birch at the Writers in Prison Committee
London Office: 9-10 Charterhouse Buildings, London EC1M 7AT UK Tel: + 44
(0) 20 72 53 32 26 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 72 53 57 11 e-mail: [email protected]

**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole responsibility of
WiPC**