The National Press Council has confirmed that it submitted a complaint to the Council of Journalism and Mediation Ethics in France due to violations committed by the newspapers “Charlie Hebdo” and “Liberation” in their coverage of the earthquake events in Morocco.
According to a statement by the National Press Council, “Charlie Hebdo” published a cartoon on September 15 that contained incitement to lack of solidarity and failed to support the earthquake victims in Morocco, a move deemed unacceptable as it contravened humanitarian principles.
The Council emphasized that during such crises, the top priority should be rescuing and supporting victims, irrespective of diplomatic or political disputes. Humanitarian initiatives should take precedence over any other secondary considerations.
The communication further highlighted that the “Charlie Hebdo” cartoon harmed the earthquake victims and their families, who desperately needed support, especially given that many of them had lost their loved ones and had no connection to diplomatic or political matters.
Turning to the “Liberation” newspaper, the report detailed that on September 11, it featured a picture on its cover of a woman who was one of the earthquake victims, accompanied by the title “Aidez nous, nous mourrons en silence” (Help us, we are dying in silence).
However, upon investigation, the Council said it found that the content attributed to the woman contradicted her actual statements, undermining the credibility and professionalism of journalistic work, particularly in the context of humanitarian disasters.
The National Press Council identified several violations of journalistic ethics by “Liberation.” These included the publication of a picture of an elderly earthquake victim on the cover, accompanied by a fabricated statement intended to criticize the relief efforts of Moroccan authorities, rescue teams from friendly nations, and volunteers.
Additionally, “Liberation” was accused of spreading false news and falsifying facts at a time when humanitarian cooperation and professionalism were expected, rather than settling political scores. Finally, it was noted that dealing with victims of humanitarian disasters should adhere to ethical guidelines, such as refraining from exploiting their images for sensationalism.
The communication concluded by highlighting that these violations by “Charlie Hebdo” and “Liberation” occurred amid a backdrop of numerous French media outlets attacking Morocco and its institutions, following the Moroccan authorities’ failure to respond to a support proposal from France after the earthquake in the Al Haouz region.
The National Press Council has filed a complaint with the President of the Press and Mediation Ethics Council in France regarding the newspapers’ violations of international journalistic ethics, with the intention of addressing these issues in accordance with the approved Code of Ethics.