More than 312 foreign journalists covered the Al Haouz earthquake, which struck Morocco on September 8, while two French journalists were deported for violation of the law by covering the calamity without the authorities permission.
“The two French nationals who were turned back did not request any authorization to report on the Al Haouz earthquake, said the Minister Delegate in Charge of Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesman, Mustapha Baitas.
In this respect, the Minister indicated that it was normal for them to be subject to administrative deportation by decision of the competent authorities, which had applied the relevant legal provisions.
Baitas also said that no fewer than 312 foreign journalists, representing 90 media outlets, were involved in covering the earthquake, stressing that they worked in a climate of freedom and transparency in all the affected regions.
“Of this total, 78 journalists, or a quarter, were of French nationality and represented 16 media outlets, 13 of which were accredited to report on the earthquake and three of which had permanent accreditation,” explained the Minister.
“Our country has shown that it is a country of transparency and freedom, which has ensured that all journalists carry out their work in total freedom”, he concluded.
The 6.8-magnitude earthquake led to the deaths of over 3,000 people and scores of injuries.
