Latest news with #PJD
Morocco World
a day ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
PJD Condemns Israeli Interception of Handala, Moroccan Journalist Detention
Rabat — The Justice and Development Party (PJD) issued a statement today, condemning the Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) illegal interception of the humanitarian ship Handala and the detention of its passengers, including Moroccan journalist Mohamed El Bakkali. In El Bakkali's pre-recorded message before the interception of the Handala ship, he called on the Moroccan government and human rights organizations to secure their release. 'If you are seeing this video, the Handala ship has been intercepted by Israeli Forces… and most likely, we have been abducted and are being illegally detained,' the Al Jazeera journalist said. PJD condemned the interception of the ship and the arrest of the Moroccan journalist along with its peaceful activists, calling on Moroccan autZionisthorities to take immediate action to secure El Bakkali's release. 'What draws attention and condemnation is that the piracy of this humanitarian and peaceful ship was carried out by the sea pirates in international waters, in clear violation of all relevant international laws,' PJD said. PJD also condemned the total silence over similar incidents by the IOF without the international community's intervention. The party asserts that this encourages Israel to 'continue its actions and brutality without regard for laws, charters, or international institutions, threatening and undermining international peace and security.' The IOF intercepted the Handala ship on Saturday, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry claiming that the ship is part of 'unauthorized attempts to break the blockade.' They also reported they all passengers are safe; however, this has not been verified. Israel also claimed that similar acts 'undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.' The claims come amid a starvation campaign Israel has launched against Palestinians in Gaza for months. The starvation death toll has reached at least 133 to date, including over 80 children. Activists and rights groups are warning that the death toll is yet to rise amid a lack and absence of humanitarian aid due to the IOF's merciless approach, contributing to its armed genocidal war and mass killings of Palestinians. Tags: Gaza starvationstarvation Gaza
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Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Health
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's PJD criticizes government based on controversial Numbeo ranking [Fact-check]
Archive When it comes to attacking the government, the source or accuracy of the data no longer seems to matter. This is evident in the Justice and Development Party's recent criticism of the government's healthcare performance, based on a questionable ranking derived from the opinions of a small group of internet users. Despite its own extensive experience in public governance, the party ignored credible reports from official Moroccan and international institutions, such as Bank Al-Maghrib, the High Commission for Planning, the Court of Auditors, and the WHO, which, backed by rigorous methodology and field data, have themselves pointed to the government's shortcomings. Instead, the PJD chose to rely on the «Health Care Index by Country 2025», published by Numbeo, a platform whose credibility is highly disputed. In a lengthy article published on its website, the opposition party claimed that «despite the Akhannouch government's social-state rhetoric», Morocco ranked 94th out of 99 countries. It attempted to legitimize the ranking by describing Numbeo as «a site specializing in data analysis and international surveys», in an effort to lend credibility to its findings. The party went on to describe Morocco's position at the bottom of the African healthcare rankings as «alarming», noting that Rabat and Casablanca ranked 303rd and 310th, respectively, in terms of healthcare quality. The Truth Behind the Ranking Numbeo, the platform the PJD relied on, was founded in 2009 by Serbian national Mladen Adamovic and is registered in Serbia. The site openly admits that «the structure of the project allows anyone with an Internet connection to modify its content», and warns that «nothing found here has necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. Use our content at your own risk». It further adds: «We do not provide any warranties that our services will meet your requirements, be uninterrupted, timely, accurate, or error-free, or that your information will be secure», and makes clear that «there is absolutely no assurance that any statement on the website is correct or precise». A closer look at the site reveals the weakness of its methodology. A single user can skew a city or country's overall rating simply by submitting multiple opinions. For instance, Rabat's healthcare rating was based on only 30 users, and Casablanca's on just 67, while Kaohsiung, Taiwan topped the global list based on only 47 submissions. Shifting Positions Ironically, back in 2019, when the PJD held the Ministry of Health under Saad Eddine El Othmani's leadership, it had firmly criticized Moroccan media for citing Numbeo's rankings. In an official statement at the time, the ministry dismissed the site's methodology, saying it lacked «scientific accuracy, sound methodology, and the standards used by recognized international institutions». The ministry stated that the rankings «were based on a small, unrepresentative sample, no more than 100 visitors to the site, and could not be used to evaluate national healthcare systems». It also warned media outlets to treat Numbeo's data with caution, describing it as «misleading and unaffiliated with any recognized international statistical health organization».
Morocco World
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
PJD's Abdelilah Benkirane Accuses Ouahbi of Alleged Tax Fraud
Rabat – The Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), Abdelilah Benkirane has issued a new fiery statement, accusing a government minister of allegedly falsifying an official document to avoid paying taxes. Benkirane did not mention any names, but converging reports said his recent post pointed to Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi. 'A minister falsifies an official document submitted to the tax authorities, declaring less than one-tenth of the property's actual value to evade due taxes, blatantly violating the Constitution,' Benkirane wrote . He also called for the minister's resignation, as per the 'rule of law and institutions and by the principle of accountability.' Benkirane's accusations came in the aftermath of leaked documents allegedly obtained by the Algerian hacker group Jabaroot, claiming to show financial and real transactions linked to government officials. In addition to Benkirane, the Democratic Left Federation (FGD) also called on the government to open an investigation into the leaks. 'This comes about what has been reported in the media and revealed in the 'Jabaroot' leaks, which suggests the involvement of current government ministers in cases of corruption and abuse of influence,' the party said, urging for an intervention. The party requested that the public prosecutor investigate the case in a transparent process to assign responsibilities and apply all legal consequences.
Ya Biladi
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's foreign minister condemns exclusion of Sahara from maps as attack on territorial integrity
Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita has condemned the publication of maps of Morocco that exclude the Sahara, calling it «an attack on our territorial integrity and on the diplomatic and international progress made regarding the Moroccan Sahara». His remarks were made in response to a written question submitted by Naima El Fathaoui, a member of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), addressing this sensitive issue. Bourita explained that, «given the importance of this matter and its implications», the Ministry has adopted «a strategy based on vigilance and strict monitoring of how Morocco's map is displayed on various websites, along with swift action to correct any inaccuracies». This approach also includes «a proactive component that involves monitoring the organization of international forums to ensure the full map of the Kingdom is displayed». The minister emphasized that «Moroccan embassies and consulates abroad are constantly monitoring all official publications and websites in the countries where they are accredited». Whenever a truncated map of Morocco is spotted, «they immediately contact the relevant authorities to demand corrections». These efforts have yielded results. «Many institutions and websites that initially published incomplete maps of Morocco have since apologized to Moroccan authorities», Bourita noted. He also pointed out that «in many cases, websites are managed by private companies unaware of the political context surrounding the Moroccan Sahara issue. Often, the same countries where these errors occur have reaffirmed their strong support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara». Bourita reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to «countering malicious disinformation campaigns led by the enemies of our territorial integrity». Meanwhile, Algeria has been actively campaigning against the inclusion of the Sahara in maps of Morocco since February 2021. Notably, the opening ceremony of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2024), hosted by Morocco, featured a map of the Kingdom that excluded the Sahara.
Morocco World
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
After Uproar, Benkirane Digs In on Marriage over Education Stance
Days after igniting widespread outrage with remarks urging young women to choose marriage over education, Justice and Development Party (PJD) Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane has responded, and not with an apology, but with defiance. In a video posted to his Facebook page, the former head of government dismissed the backlash as a smear campaign orchestrated by unnamed actors ahead of the legislative elections and insisted that his words had been twisted by political opportunists. Women's rights slammed Rather than distance himself from the polemic he sparked during a regional party meeting in Souss-Massa, Benkirane repeated his claim that delaying marriage for academic reasons amounts to a 'crime against women,' a stance that continues to provoke strong reactions across the political and civil spectrum. He made no apology, no clarification, only a repetition of his position that women should marry when asked, and worry about education later. For him, delaying marriage for academic achievement constitutes not just a mistake but a 'crime against women.' This brand of paternalism is not new to Benkirane. What shocked many this time was the bluntness of his message and the utter disregard for decades of struggle by Moroccan women to gain access to education and freedom of choice. His reference to feminist movements, local and international, dripped with scorn, as he declared he had no fear of them. Benkirane claimed to support women's education, so long as it aligns with 'shared values,' a vague and self-serving phrase that seems to mean obedience to his worldview. In reality, his comments reduce women's lives to a narrow path dictated by early marriage, as if ambition, autonomy, or timing were luxuries women could not afford. The backlash was immediate. A number of women's rights advocates issued a scathing response, denouncing the remarks as an 'insult to women,' an attack on their dignity, and a betrayal of the long history of feminist struggle in Morocco. Party tries to contain fallout Even within his own party, damage control began. The PJD's Women's Organization released a statement attempting to clean up after their party leader, lamenting what they described as 'malicious' interpretations of his words. They tried to present Benkirane's comments as a call for balance between education and family life. But balance, in his terms, seems to mean sacrificing one's future for the sake of tradition. The group claimed it initially avoided responding to what it called 'pointless controversy,' but said it decided to intervene after what it described as 'coordinated efforts to derail public debate and discredit' Benkirane. In its view, the former head of government's remarks merely reflected a 'legitimate concern' over the country's declining fertility rates, delayed age of marriage, and shifting family structures, issues the party believes require urgent national attention. The statement rejected accusations that Benkirane opposes women's education or empowerment. Instead, it argued that he called for a balance between academic success and family life. The organization framed this position as one that respects women's right to learn and work, while also encouraging them not to 'miss natural opportunities' such as marriage, particularly, it claimed, in a context where families increasingly face social instability. The organization also went on the offensive, accusing some women's rights groups of 'double standards.' It criticized what it called the 'deafening silence' of certain associations regarding what it sees as real and ongoing hardships endured by Moroccan women, especially in rural and marginalized regions. However, the organization's defense did little to address the core concern raised by many feminists, which is the attempt to dictate the priorities of Moroccan women. By insisting that marriage must take precedence over education, even temporarily, Benkirane, and by extension, his defenders, appear to impose an outdated model of womanhood. The debate has clearly moved beyond the content of a single speech and into a deeper reckoning over whose vision of womanhood will shape Morocco's future. Benkirane's nostalgia for a Morocco where women waited quietly for marriage proposals while shelving their ambitions speaks less to morality and more to fear of change, of independence, of women who no longer ask for permission. Tags: BenkiraneGender GapMoroccowomen's right
