The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the Moroccan authorities to lower the temperature of its criticism of Spanish media which have been accused of being ‘hateful' and ‘racist'. These attacks, targeting in particular the ABC newspaper, come in the wake of a series of restrictions on foreign journalists, including the withdrawal last week of the accreditation of Luis de Vega, ABC Correspondent in Morocco.

"There is no basis for accusing Spanish journalists of racism and hatred in their coverage of the crisis in Western Sahara," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "The Moroccan attacks are misguided and the authorities should calm down and focus instead on allowing journalists the right to report independently on the crisis. The withdrawal of Luis de Vega's accreditation is an unacceptable interference in journalists' affairs."

Moroccan officials have escalated their attacks on Spanish journalists since the events in Laayoune last week, accusing media in Spain of bias reporting on events in Western Sahara. Yesterday, the Information Minister, Jalid Naciri in a press conference accused some Spanish media of being hateful and racist. The attack follows the decision last week to ban flights to Laayone which affected many Spanish journalists. On Friday Luis de Vega was told he could no longer work as journalist in Morocco.

The IFJ says these actions raise concerns over the commitment of Morocco's to press freedom.

"The ill-tempered language from Morocco has not been helpful. This is the time to focus on professional quality and solidarity, not to be divisive and make baseless accusations," added White. "Luis de Vega must be reinstated and all journalists allowed to visit unhindered the zone they wish to report on."

For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 members in 125 countries