SALE, Morocco (AP) A Moroccan editor facing terrorism charges appeared in court for the first time Tuesday as fears grew that his case was the opening salvo in a new assault on press freedom in this nation, where independent journalists are increasingly publishing on the Internet.
Ali Anouzla was arrested and charged with advocating terrorism and aiding terrorists in September after his online news site Lakome.com wrote about an al-Qaida video criticizing Morocco. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
His lawyer, Hassan Semlali, could not divulge the events of the hours-long closed-door session Tuesday, but said he had requested that editor be freed on bail, and that Anouzla had "reaffirmed that he is totally against terrorism." The questioning in what is still an investigative phase will resume Oct. 30.
The site Lakome has since been blocked in Morocco at Anouzla's request, Semlali said.
Anouzla is known for his secular outlook, so many see the charges as punishment for his fierce criticism of Morocco's King Mohammed VI. Several dozen of his supporters protested in front of the courthouse, calling for his unconditional release.