Morocco's press freedom : Progress in rankings, persistent challenges for journalists
DR
Despite a modest improvement in its ranking on the 2025 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Morocco's media landscape remains complex and challenging for independent journalists.
According to the report released by the organization on Friday, May 2, Morocco moved from 129th place in 2024 to 120th out of 180 countries, with its overall score rising from 45.97 to 48.04. This numerical progress is reflected across most sub-indicators, notably the political indicator, which saw a significant leap from 119th to 97th place, with its score improving from 40.31 to 44.25. The economic indicator also improved, climbing from 135th to 115th, while the legislative indicator rose from 128th to 117th.
There were slight improvements in the social and security indicators, but the overall result remains below the global average, highlighting the ongoing structural challenges facing the media sector.
Regionally, Morocco ranked second in North Africa, up from fourth place last year. It now trails Mauritania, which ranked 50th globally. Algeria ranked 126th, Tunisia 129th, and Libya 137th, showing a significant disparity in the media landscape across the region.
Despite this relative progress, Morocco's media environment remains difficult, according to Reporters Without Borders. Independent journalists continue to face systemic pressure as authorities seek to strengthen their control over the media, claims RWB.
For years, journalism in Morocco has been restricted on sensitive topics such as the Sahara, the monarchy, corruption, Islam, security services, and the suppression of demonstrations, according to the organization.
Money and Power… at the Expense of Freedom
Reporters Without Borders notes that Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has filed multiple legal complaints against critical journalists. «Since the National Rally of Independents (RNI) won the 2021 legislative elections, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, has increased judicial actions against journalists who criticise his government», reads the report.
«He also uses his financial power to influence the editorial choices of the most prominent media outlets, while outlets that oppose his government face financial restrictions. This alliance between money and power hinders the press' ability to report on corruption in the management of public affairs, as any attempt to expose corruption brings a financial and legal risk».
In a tough economic environment, media outlets struggle to attract advertisers, hindering their financial stability, especially for independent outlets that have become increasingly rare. In contrast, state-affiliated or government-loyal media enjoy financial backing, allowing them to operate with more stability, according to the report. This was issued a day before World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
The organization also points out that despite the abolition of prison sentences in the new press law adopted in 2016, the situation on the ground has not significantly changed. Any critical publication still risks legal prosecution under the penal code. This situation exposes the fragility of the legal framework protecting freedom of expression and the judiciary's weak independence, forcing journalists to self-censor for fear of retribution. The dissolution of the National Press Council and its replacement with a temporary body in 2023 is seen as a setback for the self-regulation of Moroccan journalism.
«In recent years, fabricated morality cases, such as rape, human trafficking, adultery and illegal abortion, have been used against independent journalists», the report states.
The recent release of journalists, including Taoufik Bouachrine, Omar Radi, and Soulaimane Raissouni, under a royal pardon in July 2024, sparked hope. However, as the 2026 elections approach, pressures on critical journalists are mounting. The Prime Minister is using his power to restrict the press, and Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has intensified prosecutions of journalists this year.
Globally, Norway retained its top position in the rankings, followed by Estonia, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Meanwhile, Eritrea, North Korea, China, Syria, and Iran remain at the bottom, ranking among the worst countries for press freedom.
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