Spanish Health Minister Mónica García has condemned the expulsion of journalists from Spanish state broadcaster RTVE and news agency EFE from the Moroccan town of Castillejos, according to a report by The Objective published on Sunday.
The minister's remarks follow the reported removal of the journalists from the area. The Objective, a Spanish news outlet, covered García's statement as a direct rebuke of the incident. The exact circumstances of the expulsion were not detailed in the available reporting.
The news agency EFE has issued its own response, defending the right to information and its coverage work in Morocco, as reported by EFE itself. The agency's statement underscores the importance of press freedom in the region.
Separately, the Spanish government has said it is in contact with Moroccan authorities over the matter and has affirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, according to a report from Onda Cero. The government's statement suggests diplomatic efforts are underway to address the situation.
The incident has drawn attention to media access in Morocco, with the outlet Vozpopuli describing the move as a "big blackout" in its coverage of the affair. The phrase points to broader concerns about restrictions on reporting in the country.
García's condemnation adds a political dimension to the episode, as it comes from a senior Spanish official. The response from EFE and the government indicates that the expulsion has become a point of diplomatic friction between Spain and Morocco.
What to watch next: Whether the Spanish government's reported contact with Moroccan authorities leads to a formal explanation or any change in policy regarding journalist access in the region.
