Prison authority refutes Omar Radi’s allegations on detention conditions

The General Delegation for Prison Administration (DGAPR) has firmly rejected claims made by journalist Omar Radi regarding the conditions of his detention in Ain Sebaa 1 and Tifelt 2 prisons. In a recent interview, Radi criticized Moroccan prisons, asserting that he faced severe psychological and physical issues during his incarceration.

DGAPR labeled Radi's assertions as "baseless," emphasizing that they are merely allegations. The authority noted that Radi had requested placement in a specific cell, which they granted, asserting that the cell adhered to hygiene and dignity standards. They also denied claims of excessive surveillance, stating that security measures are uniformly applied to all detainees, particularly concerning phone communications and mail exchanges.

In his interview, Radi alleged that his cell in Tifelt 2 was infested with insects. However, DGAPR countered these claims, highlighting that the cell was regularly maintained and that the transfer to this location was initiated by Radi himself.

The authority also addressed an incident during Radi's imprisonment where he sustained an arm fracture during an arm-wrestling match with another inmate. DGAPR stated that he received prompt medical care and surgery, with his family being notified immediately and permitted to visit him in the prison hospital. An investigation into the incident was launched, and DGAPR affirmed that Radi had access to scheduled activities and medications throughout his detention.

In July 2021, a Moroccan court sentenced Radi to six years in prison for charges including "rape" and "receiving funds from a foreign agent." Although the Court of Appeal upheld the sentence in March 2020, he received a royal pardon in July 2024.

DGAPR also condemned remarks made by journalist Soulaiman Raissouni, who was recently released on a royal pardon. In an interview with the Spanish news agency El Independiente, Raissouni accused the Moroccan prison administration and judiciary of unethical practices. He claimed he anticipated worse conditions than imprisonment and alleged that his writings were confiscated during his time in custody.

In response, DGAPR dismissed Raissouni's comments as fabricated, asserting that they represent ongoing attempts to tarnish the reputation of Morocco's prison system. The authority specifically denied Raissouni's claims of a "record-breaking" hunger strike, stating that he had consumed food and dietary supplements during the period he claimed to be fasting.