Archive by Author

Bashir is free!

10 Feb

We have just received news that Bashir has been released. We will post details as soon as we have them.

Appeal Hearing Scheduled for Bashir Hazzam and Colleagues

8 Feb

An appeal hearing has been scheduled in the case of blogger Bashir Hazzam and his colleagues on Monday, February 8, in the town of Tiznit (100km south of Agadir). Bashir’s lawyer, Redouane Elarbi has reported that the trial will be attended by a number of bloggers, mediators, human rights workers, and family members for support. They all hold a great hope for Bashir’s release.

It is noteworthy that the court dismissed the first appeal hearing held last January 18.

Prior to the scheduling of a second appeal hearing, Bashir and fellow prisoners had instituted a hunger strike, which lasted 48 hours, denouncing the deplorable conditions of the Tiznit prison and publicly condemning the charges made against them and subsequent harsh punishments. The appeal also comes a week after the sentencing of blogger Aboubakr Lidib to six months in prison and a fine of 500 DH.

Mohammed Kadiri, a lawyer and mediator in the region has reported, after visiting Bashir, that he is in good health following the hunger strike. He also reported that Bashir has sent his greetings and appreciation to all of those who have supported him and his colleagues.

Kadiri has written a letter, which has been published in its original French here.

Appeal trial set for January 18th

14 Jan

The campaign has just received news that Bashir Hazzem’s appeal trial has been set for January 18, 2010. We will update with more information as soon as we receive it.

A Message from Bashir

1 Jan

Blogger Bashir Hazzem sends out his gratitude as his suffering continues

Blogger Bashir Hazzem has asked human rights organizations that recently visited to relay his gratitude to all bloggers, activists, media figures, and international organizations that stood in solidarity with him in Morocco and abroad. He requested that the Moroccan Bloggers Society, along with activists around the world, escalate the solidarity campaign until he and his fellow bloggers are freed. He hoped that the judge would give him justice along with other detainees and recant the rash and unjust rulings that were issued against them in the preliminary hearing.

Sources have said the Hazzem has been separated from other detainees in the case and now resides in a small prison cell with 70 other prisoners and is suffering the hardships of jail.

Hazzam and his fellow detainees met the prison manager at the beginning of their detention and demanded improved conditions so that they could study since most of them are still students and that they be separated from other prisoners. Those demands have not been met yet.

Updates on Bashir

18 Dec

Thank you for your solidarity. The Facebook group in support of Bashir Hazzem now has 1,380 members, and our Flickr group continues to grow. Please continue to send contributions to us, via the Facebook group or to freebashirhazzem@gmail.com.

Yesterday, Bashir was transferred to the local prison of Tiznit (approximately 100 km south of Agadir). His appeal trial is pending.

Many of you have asked how you can support Bashir: First, by showing your solidarity (either by blogging about his case, contacting your local media outlets, or joining the solidarity groups). We are in touch with Bashir’s lawyers and family and are hoping to learn more in the coming days. If you are interested in helping Bashir’s family financially, please contact us via the Facebook page.

In Solidarity.