Morocco: Moroccan Lawmakers unanimously agreed to review their ties with the European Parliament, accusing it of meddling after a resolution urging the kingdom to protect press freedom.

In response to the non-binding European legislation adopted members of both chambers of Morocco’s parliament convened in the capital city of Rabat for a joint session. The Moroccan lawmakers described the European resolution as “an unacceptable attack against the sovereignty, dignity, and independence of judicial institutions in the kingdom” in a statement following their meeting. They claimed it badly damaged their relationship’s foundational trust.

According to Mr. Rachid Talbi Alami, as a result speaker of the House of Representatives, Morocco’s Parliament “decided to reassess its relations with the European Parliament and submit them for an overall evaluation.”

Morocco and the European Union have close economic and commercial ties according to a 1996 agreement, especially in the areas of agriculture and fishing. The Moroccan government had been urged by European legislators in Strasbourg to “respect freedom of expression and media freedom” and to “guarantee imprisoned journalists… a fair trial.”

Mr. Omar Radi and Mr. Soulaimane Raissouni, two of the most well-known journalists in Morocco, were both condemned at an appeal last year on charges of sexual abuse. Mr. Radi, 36, who has criticised Moroccan authorities, was given a six-year prison term for rape and espionage, both of which he vigorously rejects.

Last week, European lawmakers reaffirmed the European Parliament’s resolve to “completely probe” corruption and expressed their “deep concern” about claims that Moroccan officials had paid its members.

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