فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Press Conference Unveils Activism Program to Defend Press Independence
On the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the headquarters of the National Syndicate of Moroccan Press in Rabat hosted an important press conference led by Abdelkebir Khashishen, the syndicate’s president, with participation from prominent professional bodies such as the Moroccan Federation of Press Publishers and the Moroccan Association for Human Rights in Press. The conference focused on the unequivocal rejection of Draft Law No. 26.25 concerning the reorganization of the National Press Council, which was described as “regressive” due to its direct governmental interference and threat to the profession’s independence and freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Article 28 of the Moroccan Constitution.
Context of the Conference: Organizational Crisis Threatening the Media Sector
This conference comes amid a severe organizational crisis in the Moroccan press sector, following the expiration of the temporary committee managing the affairs of the National Press Council in October 2025. This has led to an administrative vacuum that hinders the issuance of professional cards and regulation of the profession. The draft law is viewed as a government attempt to impose dominance over the sector, prompting professional organizations to unite in demanding an elected national council that supports independence and plurality.
Statements from Participants: Unified Rejection of Government Intervention
During the conference, Abdelkebir Khashishen condemned the government’s insistence on passing the draft law despite widespread rejection from the press community, stating that the law violates the constitution and threatens professional gains. The signatory organizations, including the Moroccan Federation of Press Publishers, strongly rejected any governmental interference limiting self-regulation, calling for a new law that guarantees journalists’ professional and social rights.
Activism Program to Defend Press Freedom
The conference announced a series of protest actions against the draft law, including:
- Central Protest: To be held in front of the parliament in Rabat on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with open invitation for journalists and publishers to participate widely.
- Clear Demands: Withdrawal of the current draft law and preparation of a new law that breaks with regressive policies, with the formation of an elected national council reflecting democracy and independence principles.
- Ongoing Events: Organizing meetings and seminars to raise awareness of journalists’ rights, emphasizing economic and social rights as integral to professionalism.
Expected Impact and Importance of the Event
These movements are expected to increase pressure on the government to reconsider the draft law, possibly leading to its postponement or amendment to align with international standards of press freedom. The event highlights professional organizations’ commitment to defending an independent and free media while maintaining a balance between freedom and responsibility. Interested parties are encouraged to follow developments through the official sources of the National Syndicate of Moroccan Press.
