The Right to Privacy in Morocco
Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides for the right of every person to be protected against arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence as well as against unlawful attacks on his honour or reputation. Any interference with the right to privacy can only be justified if it is in accordance with the law, has a legitimate objective and is conducted in a way that is necessary and proportionate. Surveillance activities must only be conducted when they are the only means of achieving a legitimate aim, or when there are multiple means, they are the least likely to infringe upon human right.
Privacy International has on-going concerns on the practices of unlawful surveillance by Moroccan law enforcement and intelligence agencies targeting independent journalists, human rights defenders and perceived opponents of the government. These practices occur in a context of ongoing, serious violations of the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
