Moroccan lawmaker bemoans speech restrictions on Palestine
A Moroccan lawmaker has criticised the curtailing of speech on the issue of Palestine within Morocco, according to Africa News and agencies. “No imam can speak about the Palestinian issue,” social lawmaker Nabila Mounib said on November 5th.
The claim was denied by minister of Islamic affairs Ahmed Toufiq, who claimed “any imam who talks about barbarism and injustice and denounces them is welcome.” The ministry also denied the veracity of a document which circulated last October which claimed to outline limits on speech regarding Palestine.
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Others argue that Morocco’s stance on Palestine is not representative of its populace. “Imams have a right to take a stand and, in Islam, even have a duty,” Ahmed Wehman of the Moroccan Observatory for Anti-Normalization, a group opposing normalisation with Israel, told AP.
“The government has nothing to do with Moroccan public opinion. They do not represent Morocco and Moroccans.”
Political Science professor Francesco Cavatorta said states like Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Syria have historically exerted control over imams to control religious narratives and ensure sermons don’t undermine state objectives.
He said regulation in Morocco is “part of an effort to be seen as a country that is a Muslim country but a tolerant country and a welcoming country.” Morocco has suspended preachers this year who veered from directives. Its ministry of Islamic affairs publishes guidance for imams on Wednesdays, two days before Jumu’ah Friday prayers.
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Back in 2017, when northern Morocco saw anti-government protests, the ministry of Islamic affairs directed preachers to reproach activists for promoting division.
Protest leader Nasser Zefzafi was arrested that year for interrupting a sermon about the protests, and questioning who the Mosque was serving. The ministry of Islamic affairs didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Africa News, Al Jazeera
