Morocco/Western Sahara

Morocco continues to crack down on journalists, activists, social media commentators, and artists critical of the monarchy. Despite a press code devoid of prison sentences as punishment, authorities continue to resort to penal code articles to imprison critics. Laws restricting individual freedoms remain in effect. In Western Sahara, Moroccan authorities continue to harass activists supporting Sahrawi self-determination, prevent gatherings, and obstruct the work of local human rights nongovernmental organizations.