Morocco Court Confirms Jail Term Against Journalist

A Moroccan appeals court has confirmed a five-year jail term against journalist Soulaimane Raissouni for indecent assault in a case criticised by human rights advocates.

Mr. Raissouni has maintained his innocence over the allegations against him, which he and his supporters say are politically motivated.

“He is an outspoken critic of the government and among several journalists to have been jailed for sex crimes.”

He was arrested nearly two years ago and convicted last July.

He refused food for 122 days as a protest against what he said was the “injustice” dealt to him.

He ended the hunger strike after his health deteriorated sharply.

The government insists his trial was fair.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq