Morocco: Arbitrary expulsion of journalist Hasnaa Zwan intensifies concerns about freedom of the press and association
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Morocco: Arbitrary expulsion of journalist Hasnaa Zwan intensifies concerns about freedom of the press and association
July 21, 2020, Casablanca -- Morocon newspaper Al-Masaa fired journalist Hasnaa Zwan a few days following her appointment as a press syndicate board member. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) is concerned about her arbitrary dismissal. The action undermines women journalists' right to association in the country and reflects editorial policies against women empowerment.
Hasnaa, who formed a syndicalist committee in the newspaper to help her colleagues with bargaining rights, was fired following her appointment to the board of the syndicate. Just a few days after the establishment of the committee, management of Al-Masaa informed her about the employment contract’s termination.
The newspaper claimed that firing Hasnaa is among layover decisions that the board undertook to deal with COVID-19 consequences and financial limitations. However, this happened even after the Morrocan government has provided newspapers and other businesses with a financial aid package to avoid firing journalists due to COVID-19 breakout.
This expulsion sparked a protest organized by Morrocan National press syndicate. Dozens of journalists protested in front of the newspaper’s headquarters against this arbitrary decision and demanded its management to renew Hasnaa’s contract. Syndicate members and board committee consider the decision revengeful towards Hasnaa for her union work and also a violation of freedom of association.
Several journalists expressed their concerns about Hasnaa’s firing and what it represents. Journalist Rehab Hanan explained that the motive behind the decision is not COVID-19; in fact, it is to limit freedom of association.
Hasnaa is known for her coverage and articles on social issues in the Moroccan society. She has worked in the newspaper for over eight years and used to write a column entitled “Nabadat” in which she discussed core social problems of the society.
CFWIJ expresses solidarity with Hasnaa and calls upon Al-Masaa’s administration to retract the decision to expel her. Whether her dismissal is related to economic hardships caused by Covid-19 or not, it is an arbitrary act which reflects the reality of job insecurity women journalists are suffering from.
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The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world, and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
Follow us on Instagram @womeninjournalism and Twitter @CFWIJ. Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org
