The news site Badil.info has announced it will cease publication starting Sunday, October 21. This decision comes in the wake of the arrest and imprisonment of its director, Hamid El Mahdaoui. The announcement was made public by a member of the editorial team through a video posted on the site this past Saturday.
Financial Difficulties Amid Leadership Crisis
Hamid El Mahdaoui, the founder of Badil.info, has been in Oukacha prison, which has significantly impacted the site’s operations. The financial strain following El Mahdaoui’s arrest has made it untenable for the site to continue, as explained by a journalist from the publication. This has left the site struggling to sustain its activities and forced the difficult decision to cease operations.
Legal Troubles and Sentencing
Hamid El Mahdaoui was sentenced to one year in prison for “inciting citizens to break the law” during a demonstration on July 20 in Al-Hoceima. Additionally, he faces prosecution for “non-disclosure of an attack against state security” related to a phone conversation with a Moroccan resident abroad who allegedly intended to smuggle weapons into Morocco. El Mahdaoui’s trial is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, October 24.
Impact on Moroccan Media
The closure of Badil.info marks an important moment in the Moroccan media sphere. The site was known for its critical stance and independent reporting. The arrest of El Mahdaoui and the subsequent cessation of publication on the site has raised concerns about press freedom in Morocco. The media community and press freedom advocates will closely follow developments in El Mahdaoui’s trial.
Community Reaction and Impact
The news of Badil.info’s closure was met with disappointment by readers and supporters of independent journalism. The site had built a reputation for bold reporting and a willingness to tackle controversial issues. While the legal process is ongoing, the future of Hamid El Mahdaoui and the possible revival of Badil.info remains uncertain.
This development underscores the challenges facing media outlets in Morocco, especially those seeking to maintain editorial independence in a difficult political environment. The outcome of El Mahdaoui’s litigation could have wider implications for press freedom in the country.