Moroccan tries eight suspected terror cell members

2009-07-01 Eight alleged members of what security forces call a "nascent terrorist organisation" went on trial Tuesday (June 30th) in Sale, MAP reported. The purported "Al Mourabitine Al Jodod" (Group of New Fighters) cell, which operated in Laâyoune, Guelmim, and Boujdour as part of the radical Islamist Salafia Jihadia movement, allegedly plotted to carry out terrorist attacks in Morocco. Security forces dismantled the group in May.

AU Summit begins in Libya

2009-07-01 The 13th African Union (AU) Summit of Heads of State and Government kicked off in Sirte, Libya on Wednesday (July 1st). This year's main theme will be investment in agriculture for economic growth and food security. Structural changes in the AU will also be discussed.

Maghreb athletes rack up Med Game medals

2009-07-01 Oussama Mellouli won his fourth gold medal at the Mediterranean Games on Tuesday (June 30th) in the men's 200m freestyle event. Fellow Tunisian Ahmed Mathlouthi grabbed the silver in the same race. Dhouha Ben Othmane won another gold for Tunisia in the women's karate -55 kilos category, while fencer Sarra Besbes won silver in women's individual epee.

Algerian Khaled Zoubeidi won the silver medal in accuracy shooting, Kenza Dahmani won a bronze in the women's 10,000m of the athletics competition and Ilhem El Djou took the bronze medal in the women's -55 kilos event.

Morocco also grabbed its first medal, after runner Khalid Zougari Idriss came in third in the men's 200m race.

Wydad Casablanca advances to Throne Cup quarter-finals

2009-06-29 Wydad Casablanca qualified for the quarter-finals of the Throne Cup on Sunday (June 28th) after defeating Moghreb Fès 2-0. In the quarter-finals, to be played June 30th-July 1st, the team will face FAR Rabat.

Morocco mulls sacking Lemerre

2009-06-29 Moroccan football officials want to terminate the contract of national coach Roger Lemerre, MTNfootball.com reported on Saturday (June 27th). Lemerre reportedly demanded a 2m-euro buyout. After their goalless draw with Togo on June 20th, the Atlas Lions are four points behind Group A leaders Gabon. Morocco must win their away match against Togo on September 5th to have any shot at making it to the World Cup.

Moroccan model finishes second at international competition

2009-06-29 Lamia Alaoui of Morocco finished second in the Look Model Search 2009 finals Saturday (June 27th) in Gammarth, Tunisia, Babnet reported. Serbia's Tea Djuricic won the premier international model scouting competition.

Kadhafi wins lawsuit against Moroccan newspapers

2009-06-29 A Casablanca court on Monday (June 29th) ruled in favour of Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi in his lawsuit against independent dailies Al Jarida Al Aoula, Al Ahdat Al Maghribia and Al Massae, AFP reported. Kadhafi had sued the Moroccan newspapers for publishing what he claimed were "attacks on the dignity of a head of state". The Arabic newspapers were fined a total of 3m dirhams. In addition, the papers' managing editors and two reporters were each ordered to pay fines of 100,000 dirhams. The National Union of the Moroccan Press protested outside the court after the verdict was announced.