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The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said today, that the upholding of the court of appeal in Casablanca of the ruling against the Moroccan -already detained- human rights activist, Chakib AlKhayari of 3 years in prison and a fine of 753,000 dirhams (nearly$ 90,000) for allegedly insulting official government bodies, and violating laws of exchange and currency in Morocco by "opening a bank account in the city of Melilla, with 225 euros ($ 290)", again raises doubts of the sincerity of the Moroccan government in combating corruption, as well as the fairness of trials and the official stance regarding freedom of opinion and expression.

Chakib AlKhayari, head of "Rif Association for Human Rights" in Nador city, defending the rights of the Amazigh , was arrested in February 2009, due to media statements in which he criticized the relaxed efforts in combating drugs and referred to the involvement of some officials in this trade. Although the Moroccan police have opened an extensive investigation, one which proved the involvement of some officials in this trade and though they were convicted, Khayari is still detained since February 2009. After conducting investigations with him while in prison, on 24/6/2009, Khayari was sentenced by Casablanca court to 3 years in prison and the above mentioned fine. Moreover, the court of appeal ,on 24/11/2009, upheld the verdict against the human rights activist.

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said, "This harsh sentence against Khayari, brings back to memory the case of the Moroccan activist Hassan Barhoun, whom the struggle against corruption and drug tycoons has led him to serving a six months’ term in March 2009. This raises serious concerns about the experience gained by the Moroccan government in fabricating criminal cases against human rights activists, a trend pioneered by Tunisia and Bahrain".

Before the decision of the court of appeal was announced, Khayari said, "No regrets for encountering corruption in Morocco”, which makes the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information call on all organizations defending human rights, Arab and international , to urge the Moroccan government to release the Moroccan human rights activist and display an act of respect to freedom of opinion and expression and to ensure the right to fair trial in Morocco.

Other information:
In solidarity with Chakib AlKhayari:
http://www.freechakib.com

Ruling against the activist Hassan Barhoun:
http://www.anhri.net/en/reports/2009/pr0308.shtml

http://www.anhri.net/en/reports/200...