Morocco targets ‘terrorism apologists’ in new crackdown

The Moroccan Ministry of Interior is warning its citizens that any sympathy for a gunman, who shot the Russian ambassador to Turkey, even on social media, could land them in jail.

According to Morocco World News the Ministry of Interior stated that any “sympathy and apology for terrorist acts constitute a crime punishable by law, in accordance with Article 218-2 of the criminal code. An investigation has been initiated by the authorities, under the supervision of the public prosecutor’s office, in order to identify the persons involved and to initiate legal proceedings against them.”

“These unacceptable acts of extremism are at odds with the precepts of Islam, which advocates tolerance and rejects all extremism, and are moreover contradictory to the Moroccan societal values of moderation, tolerance and cohabitation,” the statement continued.

Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov was killed during an art exhibit in the Turkish capital Ankara by off-duty police officer Mevlut Mert Atlintas as “revenge” for Russia’s role in Aleppo. Many took to social media to condone and celebrate the act which both Russia and Morocco are now investigating.

Moroccan authorities have stated that this is an “apology for terrorism”, which is illegal under the penal code. It is unclear how these investigations will take place and what would, specifically, qualify as an “apology for terrorism”.