Event Summary
On the night of 4 July 2025, authorities in Rabat, Morocco halted the screening of films scheduled as part of the 13th edition of the “Cinema and Human Rights” Festival organized by the Cultural Association for the Promotion of the Values of Human Rights and Citizenship, a civil society organization committed to raising awareness about human rights through cultural expression. According to official statement issued by the Association, all administrative and legal procedures required for the screenings had been duly followed. Despite this, the local authorities prohibited the event without prior notice or justification, raising concerns about arbitrary decision-making and lack of transparency.
The ban reflects a broader pattern of state interference that undermines the autonomy of civil society actors, particularly those engaged in rights-based work. It signals a restrictive environment where legal compliance does not guarantee protection from arbitrary censorship.