Morocco Approves New Media Laws to Strengthen Press Freedom and Regulation

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The Moroccan government has approved two significant draft laws aimed at modernizing and reinforcing the legal framework governing professional journalism and media regulation in the country.

The legislative approval came during the weekly cabinet meeting held on Thursday. Speaking at a press briefing following the session, Mustapha Baitas, Government Spokesperson and Delegate Minister in charge of Relations with Parliament, highlighted the government’s commitment to adapting media legislation in line with the country’s evolving media landscape and democratic values.

The first draft law, Bill No. 27.25, amends and supplements the existing Law No. 89.13 relating to the professional status of journalists. Introduced by Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the bill reaffirms constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. It also upholds Morocco’s international obligations on human rights and seeks to protect the professional and social rights of journalists.

Minister Baitas underscored that this reform addresses structural changes within the media sector, ensuring that the legal framework remains relevant, effective, and conducive to ethical journalism. The draft law is designed to support press freedom while maintaining respect for legal boundaries and professional integrity.

The second draft law, Bill No. 26.25, also presented by Minister Bensaid, pertains to the reorganization of the National Press Council (Conseil National de la Presse). The legislation is closely aligned with constitutional articles 25, 27, and 28, which guarantee freedom of expression, access to information, and the self-regulation of journalism and publishing.

This reform draws upon the recommendations of a special committee established under Law No. 15.23 to evaluate and oversee the press and publishing sector. It aims to reinforce the Council’s role as a democratic and independent regulatory body, tasked with upholding journalistic ethics and maintaining standards within the profession.

The draft law also consolidates the gains achieved under Law No. 90.13, enacted in 2016, which institutionalized the Council’s professional independence and affirmed its authority to regulate press and publishing activities in Morocco.

Minister Bensaid emphasized that the reforms reflect Morocco’s continued progress in media pluralism and freedom of expression. He noted that the Moroccan media landscape has expanded significantly over the past two decades, now comprising 988 online platforms, 275 print publications, and 106 international journalists operating within the country.

“The Moroccan press plays a dynamic role, alternating between support and criticism of the government. This is a clear indication of the democratic development our country has witnessed over the past twenty years,” the minister stated.

These draft laws are expected to reinforce the institutional foundations of Morocco’s media environment, ensuring greater professionalism, accountability, and freedom of the press in line with the Kingdom’s constitutional and democratic aspirations.