The government of Morocco put two journalists on trial in Casablanca on Monday, charging them with defaming Islam and damaging public morality. Driss Ksikes and Sanaa al-Aji were charged following the Dec. 21 publication of Nichane magazine, which explored popular jokes on religion, sex and politics. The same day, Moroccan Prime Minister Driss Jettou ordered a ban on the sale and public display of the magazine. Middle East Online reported the courtroom was packed with fellow journalists, members of rights groups and a representative of press watchdog Reporters Sans Frontieres when writer Aji took the stand. "I have always respected religion and society," Aji said. "All I did is report to readers a phenomenon Moroccans are seeing in jokes and anecdotes."
Prosecutors claim attacking religion is one of the most serious offenses a journalist can commit, and if convicted, Aji, and editor Ksikes face up to five years in jail and hefty fines, the BBC reported.