Moroccan politician criticises government

Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party has criticised the government for trying to suppress protestors on Friday, after they demonstrated against a royal pardon given to a convicted paedophile. Spanish Daniel Galvan Fina, who was serving a 30 year prison sentence for raping 11 children aged between four and 15, was amongst 40 convicts excused by Moroccan King Mohammed, at the request of Spain’s King Juan Carlos. His pardon was revoked on Monday following a massive public outcry, and was arrested by Spanish police to be deported back to Morocco. Spokesperson for the party, Hakim Binshamash told Arabs Today that, “Security forces attacked Moroccan citizens who exercised their rights to organize peaceful demonstrations.”  He said his party criticised the police for their actions after they violently clashed with demonstrators, and fired tear gas to disperse the crowds. Binshamash said his party will summon the Interior Minister, for an explanation.  He praised the media for the coverage of the events, and called on the Minister for Information to provide protection to journalists when reporting.