World Defence Show cements Morocco and Saudi security ties
Morocco continues its steady decline towards a more autocratic country like its GCC neighbours, in terms of the curtail human rights and free speech.
Morocco’s chief of security strengthens connections with Saudi Arabia after visiting the World Defence Show, according to MEO and agencies.
Abdellatif Hammouchi, head of Morocco’s National Security and Territorial Surveillance, visited Riyadh’s World Defence Show on 4th February, after receiving an invitation from Saudi Arabia’s head of State Security Service, Lieutenant General Adbel Aziz bin Muhammad Al-Huwairini.
Mr Hammouchi, for many Moroccans, is seen as the architect of a recent crackdown on critics of the King and the ruling elite whose tactics to put down those who speak out against policy is to either resort to blackmail, or, in the case of journalists, invent false sex allegations against them before jailing them. A number of journalists are presently in jail accused of various sexual scandals, which was recently raised in the European Parliament by MEPs.
The showcase, which takes place over 4th-8th February, demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment towards being the home of the defence industry.
Hammouchi’s visit consisted of attending discussions from the security and defence exhibitors whilst observing the global security and defence showcase, with regards to strengthening global security and stability.
READ: Morocco slipping on defence spending compared to Algeria
Bilateral meetings concerning the synergy of both Riyadh and Rabat occurred during Hammouchi’s visit. These meetings discussed the level of cooperation in terms of security for each kingdom as well as various methods for developing and cementing the distinguishable and fraternal synergy between Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
The security ties between Morocco and Saudi Arabia are determined by the countries’ close collaboration. Relations between Riyadh and Rabat were further developed after a 2023 agreement was drawn with regards to combatting terrorism and its financing in Rabat.
In the last five years, under Hammouchi’s authority, journalists have been subject to arrests without warrants and have faced trumped-up sex charges – such as human trafficking, adultery, and rape – as a consequence of their freedom of speech.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia was declared as not-free state by Freedom House with a score of 8/100 in political rights and civil liberties. Morocco, scoring at 53/100 is considered to be a partly-free state by Freedom House.
MEO/AFP
