Handala Ship: Moroccan Journalist Mohamed El Bakkali Arrives in Morocco After Release
El Bakkali has been among the activists and journalists detained in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the Gaza-bound Handala ship, seeking to assist Palestinians suffering from a genocidal starvation strategy launched by the IOF for months.
Several people wearing the keffiyeh and waving Moroccan flags welcomed the Moroccan journalist at the Mohammed VI Airport in Casablanca upon his arrival.
During his reception, he expressed gratitude to Moroccans for their solidarity following his arrest.
On Monday, the journalist's brother, Mustapha El Bakkali, confirmed that Mohamed El Bakkali arrived at the Paris airport evening following his release.
'Thank God, welcome back among us, hero,' El Bakkali's brother wrote on X.
El Bakkali, a correspondent for Al Jazeera, has earned international support, demanding an international intervention to end his and other activists' detention.
Many have joined an online campaign, calling on the Moroccan government to intervene to guarantee his release.
On Monday evening, activists who were on board the Gaza-bound Handala aid ship refused to sign documents related to forced deportation.
Several reports said the activists decided to continue their open-ended hunger strike.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said on Tuesday that Chris Smalls, a human rights defender from the US, was 'physically assaulted by seven ununiformed individuals.'
'They choked him and kicked him in the legs, leaving visible signs of violence on his neck and back,' the organization said.
The Handala ship sought to reach Gaza, which is facing a catastrophic famine staged by the IOF, which has been carrying out a genocidal war on civilians in the region since October 2023.
Since Tuesday's dawn, the IOF has killed at least 62 civilians, including 19 aid seekers.
This adds up to a death toll that reached 59,921 citizens, as well as 145,233 others wounded. Tags: Handala shipmohamed el bakkali
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
Hakimi: Moroccan Lawyers Say Case Violates Fair Trial Rights
A group of Moroccan lawyers has accused the French justice system of failing to guarantee a fair trial for footballer Achraf Hakimi, who is under investigation for alleged rape. In a statement released on Saturday, the Club of Lawyers in Morocco said the case involved 'serious breaches' of legal rights, including delays and lack of clear evidence. The group said the process ignored key parts of both French law and the European Convention on Human Rights, especially the rights to a quick and fair trial and the presumption of innocence. The lawyers criticised how the case was handled, saying it was driven by media pressure. They also noted that the inquiry began based on a verbal statement, without a formal complaint, medical report, or early cooperation from the woman involved. They added that the investigation had dragged on for nearly two and a half years between Hakimi's indictment and the final charges, which they say breaks the principle of reasonable delay. 'Justice delayed is justice denied,' the group said, quoting a European court ruling. Hakimi's legal team has also criticised the case, saying they plan to prove the player's innocence. Reports in the French press have pointed to private messages between the alleged victim and a friend, which suggest the meeting may have been planned differently than claimed. The incident dates back to February 2023, when a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of sexually assaulting her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris. She later went to a police station in Nogent-sur-Marne, but did not file a formal complaint. Hakimi was placed under formal investigation for rape on March 3, 2023. Messages found by investigators show the woman was texting a friend throughout the visit. She claimed she was being assaulted, but also said in her police statement that Hakimi 'was not violent.' Her friend came to collect her afterwards. Some messages sent before the meeting also raised questions. In them, the woman and her friend joked and referred to playing the role of a 'femme fatale.' One message said they were going to 'crack the codes' and 'rob him.' Hakimi's lawyer said these messages suggest a possible attempt to financially blackmail him. In his testimony, Hakimi said they kissed and laughed together, but that she made clear nothing more would happen. He said he respected that and that she continued using her phone during the meeting. 'She said nothing would happen the first night. I said OK,' Hakimi told investigators. Kylian Mbappé, Hakimi's former teammate, also gave a statement in his defence. He said Hakimi had always shown respect for women and that he had never heard any complaints about his behaviour. 'Even when drunk, I've never seen him act out of line,' Mbappé said. The case has sparked strong reactions online, especially in Morocco. Many fans have questioned the timing of the renewed attention, which came just days before the Ballon d'Or nominations were announced. Some believe it could be an attempt to damage Hakimi's public image. How did this all begin? The case began on February 24, 2023, when Hakimi met the woman after chatting on Instagram. She later told police he kissed her without consent but did not file charges. Hakimi was formally charged on March 3, 2023. Since then, the investigation has continued without a decision on whether the case will go to trial. The Nanterre prosecutor's office has not yet said what will happen next. French newspaper L'Équipe published several messages exchanged by the woman and her friend. Hakimi's lawyers say these show contradictions and possible intent to harm his reputation. The woman has reportedly refused to hand over all her messages. So far, no physical evidence has been made public. Tags: afconBallon D'orCAFFranceHakimiMoroccorape
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
Gaza Receives New Batch of Morocco's Humanitarian Aid
Another batch of Morocco's humanitarian aid to Gaza arrived today and is on its way to provide food and medicines for Gazans, innocent victims of the Israeli starvation and genocidal war. The delivery is part of Morocco's recent aid campaign, sending emergency food, medical supplies, and shelter materials that King Mohammed VI ordered to support Palestinians in Gaza. This new aid batch comes following previous reports that indicated that the North African country is sending more humanitarian aid to the genocide-torn Gaza through an arranged delivery route. Earlier this week, King Mohammed VI instructed the government to send 180 tons of humanitarian aid directed to civilians in Gaza, which has been subject to Israeli-induced starvation since Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) besieged the enclave. The initiative came to confirm Morocco's commitment and efforts in supporting Palestinians and Gazans during the inhumane situation. Bayt Mal Al Quds Asharif agency implemented in July the third phase of Morocco's humanitarian aid campaign. The aid delivery included various supplies, including a variety of fresh vegetables. In June 2024, Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that King Mohammed VI ordered sending an aid package that included 40 tons of medical supplies for the people in Gaza, aiming to tackle medical needs amid the Israel's genocide. Morocco's recent initiative comes following the staggering growing number of death toll among Gazans due to famine-related issues. Recent data from the Palestinian Health Ministry indicate that the number of starvation fatalities has jumped to 175, including 93 children. A growing chorus of international major powers have condemned the israeli starvation approach and IOF use of food and humanitarian aid blockade as a weapon of war against civilians in the enclave. Israel's starvation approach and genocide against innocent Gazans has led to its growing international isolation. Several international countries, including France, the UK, Canad, and Portugal have decided to recognize the statehood of Palestine, particularly in light of humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and references to a possible annexation of Palestinian territories. International organizations have been calling for a blockade lifting and sending more humanitarian aid and medical suplies to Gaza. The Derector General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for more and continued flow of health aid to the enclave. Tags: Gaza starvationhumanitarian aidKing Mohammed VIMorocco and Palestine
Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco's Amina Bouayach Named Among Africa's Most Inspiring Women
Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has earned recognition on Pour Elle's 2025 list of '50 Inspiring African Women.' In the 2025 list, Bouayach features along with nine other inspiring African activist women and has been selected for her dedication to defending human rights, equality, and social justice throughout her career in Morocco. 'Pour Elle' celebrates African women with lasting impacts The African media platform 'Pour Elle' focuses on women's and girls' issues across Africa. This year's honorees list marks International African Women's Day 2025. The platform has a mission of celebrating prominent African women who leave lasting impacts on their communities and the continent. This year's list features African women from 20 African countries and African diaspora communities abroad. The honorees have demonstrated a growing influence of female leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive future for the African continent. The theme of this year, 'African Women Active in Achieving Justice and Reparations for an Inclusive Africa,' honors women who take the lead in change in politics, economics, business, activism, culture, arts, and society. Bouayach's achievements and legacy Bouayach has devoted her life to defending human rights, human dignity, and fundamental freedoms at national, regional, African, and international levels. Today, she stands as one of Africa's prominent human rights voices and serves as an active figure within the network of leading African women. This latest recognition adds to the Moroccan human rights female activist's series of significant achievements in 2025. In March, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) elected her as president by unanimous vote, cementing her position as a leading voice in the global human rights community. Earlier in the year, Bouayach received the 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award for her contributions to promoting human rights both in Morocco and internationally. King Mohammed VI reappointed Bouayach as president of Morocco's CNDH in March 2025, marking a continuation of her leadership role that began in December 2018. Tags: Amina BouayachCNDHPour Elle
