French channel BFMTV’s firing of French-Moroccan journalist Rachid M’Barki for “Moroccan Sahara” comment continues to cause outrage among Moroccan nationals, as more on the case come to light.
The presenter of the nightly news segment on the channel was accused of “broadcasting for months of institutional images, in favor of Morocco.”
Politico reports that the channel has initiated an investigation into the matter, which led to an emergency crisis meeting on Friday at BFMTV, in the presence of Marc-Olivier Fogiel, general manager, and Celine Pigalle, editorial director.
Contacted by Politico, M’Barki said that he “used information that [he] received from sources” and that “they did not necessarily follow the usual editorial process.”
The journalist denied any intentional misconduct: “They were all real and verified. I do my job,” he said.
The journalist, though sure of his intent and proper conduct, did not rule out the possibility of unreliable sources.
Former Moroccan politician of the Popular Movement Lahcen Haddad called out the move, saying this is a prime example of “French censorship” and “anti Moroccan sentiment.”
In a tweet, the MP and former minister also pointed to a “French-style McCarthyism,” denouncing the decision and accusations against M’Barki.
“Censorship at @BFMTV, because he said “Moroccan Sahara.”
“#French-style McCarthyism! & Visceral anti-Moroccanism! If he had said ‘Sahrawi people’ a term preferred by #Algeria, it would pass! 2 weights 2 measures!”, said Haddad, in this tweet accompanied by a portrait of the journalist.
Rachid M’Barki, who has a career of more than 30 years in journalism, has sidelined by the channel starting mid-January, for allegedly moving forward with content without respecting hierarchy.
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