Halima Assali v. Ahmed Benchemsi, Karim Boukhari, and TelQuel
Case Law- Country
- Country Location
Latitude: 31.791702
Longitude: -7.09262
- Country Location (linked Case Law)
- Morocco
- Decision Date
- Aug 15, 2005
- Case Status
- Closed
- Case Outcome (Procedural)
- Affirmed Lower Court
- Case Outcome (Disposition)
- Sanctions (Imprisonment and/or Fine)
- Keywords
- Constitution
- Defamation
- Fines
- Freedom of Expression
- Freedom of Press
- Libel
- Media/Press
- Publications
- Slander
- Judicial Body
- First Instance Court
- Court Name
- First Instance Court of Casablanca
- Case Summary
Boukhari wrote an article entitled "A Brunette's Secret" which a woman "from the Middle Atlas region," who began her career as a dancer and eventually became a legislator. The article identified her by the pseudonym "Asmaa" to avoid liability for libel. The suit was brought by pro-government parliamentarian Hlima Assali, who assumed she was the target. Despite the absence of one of the defendants, and the lack of legal representation for the defence, the editor of the publication and Boukhari were sentenced to suspended imprisonment, a fine, and to pay damages to Assali.
- Related Caselaw (self)
- Source URL
- Human Rights Watch
- Notes
The conviction was upheld on appeal, but the damages award reduced.
The case does not establish a binding or persuasive precedent within its jurisdiction.
- Collection
- SMEX
- Date Updated
- Aug 19, 2024