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           Journalists, Activists Face Controversial Trial in Morocco

   by Associated Press

   Seven journalists and activists are facing trial in Morocco in a case
   widely criticized by human rights groups as politically motivated.

   Five of the activists face charges of "threatening national security"
   in Thursday's trial, including Maati Monjib, a historian who went on
   hunger strike twice this year in protest of a travel ban.

   Authorities made some reforms to appease a protest movement known as
   the Feb. 20 movement in the wake of Arab Spring uprisings in nearby
   countries, but in recent years have been cracking down on critics,
   including independent journalists, Feb. 20 activists and independent
   non-governmental organizations, especially those with foreign funding.

   The Moroccan government did not respond to requests for comment on the
   trial.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/ap-journalists-activists-face-controv
   ersial-trial-in-morocco/3064734.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/ap-journalists-activists-face-controversial-trial-in-morocco/3064734.html