The National Press Council has referred the case of the online newspaper “Jadida Express” to the Ethics Committee and the Disciplinary Affairs Committee following the airing of a video clip on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, which explicitly called for violence and the use of force in the context of the protests taking place in Morocco.
The video shared by the platform included images of minors making statements related to the same context, which the temporary commission managing the journalism and publishing sector deemed a serious violation of the professional ethics charter, particularly the clauses prohibiting the publication of materials that glorify violence, crime, and terrorism, and obligating the protection of minors and their images in sensitive matters.
According to a statement issued by the committee, the case has been forwarded to the Ethics Committee for discussion and necessary decisions, in line with the provisions of Law No. 90.13 establishing the National Press Council, and Article 39 of its governing regulations, which grants the council the mechanism of “automatic intervention” in cases of violations that affect the dignity of the profession or threaten security and stability.
The committee emphasized that protecting society from threats and incitement to violence, as well as safeguarding journalism from unethical practices, is a top priority. It also urged various media outlets to act responsibly and adhere to accuracy when covering events.
Additionally, the committee warned some media outlets about the need to distinguish between legal terms in journalistic coverage, such as distinguishing between “arrest” and “detention,” and between “accused” and “suspect,” to avoid any confusion that could negatively impact the audience.
Thus, the awaited decision from the Ethics Committee remains a pivotal moment in regulating practices in electronic journalism in Morocco and ensuring adherence to professional and ethical standards, especially during this sensitive period marked by heightened social unrest and protests.
