Morocco blocks youth camp organised by Amnesty

Amnesty International yesterday denounced the Moroccan authorities’ decision to prevent a scheduled youth camp and described it as “a step backward in the field of freedoms and assembly”.

The London based organisation announced earlier that it would organise on September, 1, the 16th youth camp in Bouznika, between Rabat and Casablanca, where 40 youth from the Middle East and North Africa region will discuss ways to eliminate torture and ill-treatment.

It is believed the event was cancelled following a recent campaign waged by Amnesty International against countries that practice torture, including Morocco.

Morocco’s official news agency said the local authorities prevented the camp because of the organiser’s failure to follow proper administrative procedures.

However, AFP reported a statement issued by Amnesty International announcing its “firm rejection” of these “allegations” and confirming that it had obtained all the necessary documents to organise the event.