Niny, a journalist, was detained following the publication of several articles criticizing the counter-terrorism practices of the Moroccan security services, including prison sentences handed down after what he characterized as unfair trials against Islamists. He had also repeatedly called for increased political freedom and has written about corruption among government officials. Niny was arrested and questioned on charged with “gravely offending” public officials, accusing public officials of violating the law without providing proof, and insulting the judiciary or discrediting its rulings or attempting to influence the courts. The court convicted Niny on all three charges and sentenced him to one year imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 dirhams. He was released on April 28, 2012.