The Moroccan government has begun a month-long consultation on a proposed freedom of information law (in Arabic) (in English).
The period of consultation began March 26, with early commentators saying that the proposal contains too many exemptions.
An article by Mohammed Jaabouk says the 13 proposed exemptions exceed those suggested in the Article 27 of the Constitution.
The government has broadly interpreted the right to protect relations with other countries or international organizations, he wrote, creating a proposed exemption for information which may prejudice “the ability of the state to manage its monetary policy, economic and financial.”
Other exemptions would cover “the government’s deliberations,” “investigations and administrative investigations” and “government policy in preparation that does not require a consultation with citizens.”
Administratively, Jaabouk wrote, the government has proposed an “obstacle course.”
Younes Mujahid, general secretary of the National Union of Moroccan Press, was quoted as saying the bill has too many exceptions.
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