Update behind Le Desk: delayed by technical bugs, the news outlet now expects to launch in another two to three weeks, journalist Omar Radi said. Journalists at Le Desk say they will be independent of advertisers and will pursue “red-line” issues pursuant to King Mohammed VI and internet surveillance. (Photo by Kayla Dwyer)
Le Desk
Moroccan media outlet launches amid press crackdown
By Kayla Dwyer
CASABLANCA, Morocco – With less than a week before the launch of their news website, about a dozen journalists huddled around computers in a small, modern office, the sun streaming in glass windows that overlook the streets of Casablanca, as they put finishing touches on one of their stories involving government internet surveillance of Moroccan citizens.
“We are old new pioneers,” said Ali Amar, publisher and co-founder of Le Desk, which will go live online today. “We don’t know how the readers will react, but if we succeed, we think there is huge opportunity.”
In a country where independent press has nearly disappeared, this team of journalists is trying once more to bring reporting on hot button issues to Moroccans.
