Morocco bans TV network
The Moroccan government has suspended all operations by the pan-Arab television network Al-Jazeera in the country for allegedly failing to follow the "rules of serious and responsible journalism".
The Qatar-based network condemned Friday's (29 October 2010) decision and said its editorial guidelines would not be affected by the closure of its bureau in Rabat and the withdrawal of accreditation for its local staff. Press freedom watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists called on Morocco's Ministry of Communications to revoke the ban.
A statement published by the official Moroccan News Agency said that the ministry found that Al-Jazeera's coverage "seriously distorted Morocco's image and manifestly damaged its interests, most notably its territorial integrity".