A Moroccan magazine editor accused of defaming Islam and damaging morality by printing articles about religious jokes has defended his position in court.
A Moroccan magazine editor accused of defaming Islam and damaging morality by printing articles about religious jokes has defended his position in court.
Nichane magazine's Driss Ksikes, who is on trial in Casablanca with magazine journalist Sanaa al-Aji, denied the articles were intended be offensive.
Nichane magazine's Driss Ksikes, who is on trial in Casablanca with magazine journalist Sanaa al-Aji, denied the articles were intended be offensive.
The prosecutor said journalists had to balance liberties with responsibilities urged sentences of three to five years.
The prosecutor urged sentences of three to five years, saying journalists must balance liberties and responsibilities.
The judges have retired and a verdict is expected later this month.
The judges have retired and a verdict is expected later this month.
'Funny society'
'Funny society'
Following the publication of the articles, Moroccan authorities closed the magazine down and withdrew copies of it from newspaper stands.
Following the publication of the articles, Moroccan authorities closed the magazine down and withdrew copies of it from newspaper stands.
The article that has caused such an outcry looked at popular jokes on religion, sex and politics.
The article that has caused such an outcry looked at popular jokes on religion, sex and politics.
Mr Ksikes told the court he believed Morocco was a funny society.
Mr Ksikes told the court he believed Morocco was a funny society.
To ask the magazine why it told the jokes would be like asking the French playwright Moliere why he made people laugh, Mr Ksikes said.
To ask the magazine why it told the jokes would be like asking the French playwright Moliere why he made people laugh, Mr Ksikes said.
Ms Aji added that the jokes shed light on society and were in common usage, but they did not reflect her own beliefs.
Ms Aji added that the jokes shed light on society and were in common usage, but they did not reflect her own beliefs.
Media reform
Media reform
The journalists, who have received death threats, said they were not making fun of religion.
The journalists, who have received death threats, said they were not making fun of religion.
They have, however, issued a public apology.
They have, however, issued a public apology.
They are supported by international organisations such as Reporters Without Frontiers, which says this is a serious blow for press freedom.
They are supported by international organisations such as Reporters Without Frontiers, which says this is a serious blow for press freedom.
But the government does not see it that way, and says that attacking religion is one of the most serious offences a journalist can commit.
But the government does not see it that way, and says that attacking religion is one of the most serious offences a journalist can commit.
Since the death of the previous king, Morocco has been undergoing a period of modernisation and media reform has been part of that process.
Since the death of the previous king, Morocco has been undergoing a period of modernisation and media reform has been part of that process.
However, this case may turn back the clock to the days when Moroccans had to be very careful about what they said.
However, this case may turn back the clock to the days when Moroccans had to be very careful about what they said.
Are you in Morocco? Do you know what the jokes were? Are you offended by them? You can contact us using the form below:
Are you in Morocco? Do you know what the jokes were? Are you offended by them? You can contact us using the form below:
The BBC World Service radio programme World Have Your Say will be discussing this topic at 1800 GMT and using comments left here during the show. As a result comments will not appear on this page.
The BBC World Service radio programme World Have Your Say will be discussing this topic at 1800 GMT and using comments left here during the show. As a result comments will not appear on this page.
