Morocco explains why it deported two French journalists covering deadly earthquake
The government of Morocco has explained why two French journalists who were covering the aftermath of the September 8, 2023 earthquake have been deported from the country.
According to a statement by a Spokesperson of the Moroccan Government, more than 312 foreign journalists from 90 media outlets are in the northern African country to cover the devastation but the two French journalists were deported after they broke the law.
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“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,” said Mustapha Baitas, the Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesman.
“… the administrative deportation of the two French nationals is a legal consequence of the violation of the law, the two French nationals who were turned back did not request any authorization to report on the Al Haouz earthquake,” Mr Baitas explained, saying the two French journalists were in the country for tourism purposes.
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The statement further added that the French nationals were therefore subject to administrative deportation by the decision of the competent authorities who had applied the relevant legal provisions.
The death toll from the 6.8 magnitude Al Haouz earthquake has so far risen to 3,000 with 5,600 injured.
Three days after the earthquake, King Mohamed VI announced 7 measures he would undertake to ensure the safety and rebuilding of Morocco following the earthquake that took place in the Atlas Mountain range.
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The sole focus of the Moroccan government would be reinforcing the national blood stock, supplying drinking water to affected areas, distributing food kits, tents and blankets to the affected population and quickly resuming public services, in the wake of the
On Thursday, King Mohamed VI announced that the rebuilding of affected areas would begin. With an estimated overall budget of 120 billion dirhams (Sh15 trillion) over five years, the first version of the integrated and multi-sectoral program presented before the Sovereign will cover the six provinces and prefectures affected by the earthquake: Marrakech, Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal, and Ouarzazate, and target a population of 4.2 million people.