The Federation of Associations of Spanish Journalists has condemned Morocco for expelling news teams from Spanish agency EFE and broadcaster TVE while covering migration in Castillejos.
The Spanish press group stated that the decision by Moroccan authorities represents an attack on freedom of information, a fundamental right protected under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
According to complaints filed by EFE and public network RTVE, their journalists were reporting on incidents in Castillejos, a Moroccan town bordering the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta. Moroccan security forces were attempting to prevent a new migratory surge when the media crews were removed from the area.
FAPE expressed its full support for media workers deployed to Morocco to cover the ongoing border crisis. The statement followed the arrival in Ceuta of tens of thousands of migrants from neighboring Morocco.
The federation encouraged both the affected journalists and other media organizations to continue reporting on events along the border so Spanish society and the international community remain informed.
Demands for Action from Madrid
FAPE aligned its position with the Press Association of Madrid, backing complaints submitted by executives at RTVE and Agencia EFE against what it described as a clear attack on the free exercise of journalism.
Adopting a statement issued by the Madrid association, FAPE urged the Spanish government to react to the expulsions. The federation called on Madrid to express its displeasure clearly to Moroccan authorities and demand a firm commitment that such behavior will not recur with any news organization.
Both press associations requested formal guarantees allowing journalists to perform their duties freely, asking Spanish officials to formally convey their rejection of the incident to Morocco.
Background on the Outlets and Border Region
Agencia EFE is Spain's national news agency and the principal Spanish-language wire service globally. Televisión Española, known as TVE, is the television division of RTVE, Spain's state-owned public broadcaster.
Castillejos, also known in Arabic as Fnideq, is located in northern Morocco adjacent to the border with Ceuta. Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, forming one of the European Union's two land borders in Africa.
FAPE serves as the umbrella body for professional journalist associations across Spain, while the Press Association of Madrid represents journalists operating in the Spanish capital. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects freedom of opinion and expression, including the right to seek and impart information across frontiers.
