Morocco Pardons and Releases 92 Political Detainees

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92 political detainees are released in Morocco after being granted a royal pardon. More releases are being called for to facilitate political progress in Morocco.

Morocco freed 92 political prisoners on Thursday under a pardon issued by the king following street protests demanding democratic reform.

Among the released was controversial preacher Mohammed Fizazi, who was sentenced in 2003 to 30 years in jail after he was convicted of inspiring 12 suicide bombers to kill 33 people in Casablanca earlier that year.

The National Council for Human Rights says the pardon also commuted to limited prison terms death penalties for five others and life imprisonments for 37 others.

Prison terms for 53 others were also reduced.

Mohamed Sebbar, appointed secretary general of the Council by King Mohammed in March, said the pardon was a prelude to a thorough review of the cases of political prisoners in Morocco.

[Mohamed Sebbar, General Secretary, Moroccan Council for Human Rights]:
"This is a historical day that will live for ever in the memory of the Council, the people who were released and their families and also in the memory of all those who defend human rights in our country. We are in the presence of an important step to achieve a political breakthrough in our country and for sure."

Local human right groups have says hundreds, including Salafist Jihad sympathizers, were jailed after the attack in politically motivated trials, often without solid evidence.

Last month, King Mohammed announced constitutional reform to give up some of his sweeping powers and make the judiciary independent in Morocco, a staunch ally of the West.