International PEN welcomes the verdict of a Moroccan court of appeal to overturn the two-year sentence against Internet writer Mohammed Erraji on September 18, 2008.

Background Information

According to PEN's information, Mohammed Erraji, aged 29, was arrested on September 4, 2008 for an article published in the online news web site Hespress accusing Morocco's monarchy of encouraging a culture of dependency. He was tried in the southern city of Agadir, at a trial which did not conform to international standards of fairness. Erraji was sentenced on September 8, 2008 to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 dirhams for "disrespect for the king" under article 41 of the Moroccan press law. Released on bail, Erraji appealed the sentence, which was later overturned by a Moroccan appeal court, clearing him of the charges. Thank you to all who sent appeals on his behalf.

Write A Letter

  • Protesting the two-year sentence handed down to Internet writer Mohammed Erraji at a trial which fell far short of international standards, and demanding his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human rights;
  • Expressing serious concern for Erraji’s health, and urging that he is treated humanely in detention.

Send Your Letter To

Abbas El Fassi 
Le Premier Ministre
Palais Royal
Touarga
Rabat
Morocco
Fax : 212 037 768656

M. Abdelwahad Radi
Le Ministre de la Justice
Place El Mamoumia
Rabat
Morocco

Please check with PEN if sending appeals after October 9, 2008: ftw [at] pen.org