Moroccan King Performs Eid Prayer, Pardons 761 People

King Mohammed VI. MAP
King Mohammed VI. MAP
TT

Moroccan King Performs Eid Prayer, Pardons 761 People

King Mohammed VI. MAP
King Mohammed VI. MAP

King Mohammed VI accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Prince Moulay Rachid, performed on Tuesday the Eid Al Adha prayer.

Given the preventative health measures, the King performed the prayer without giving a speech.

After the prayer, the King performed the sacrifice ritual. The Imam sacrificed the second sheep.

On this occasion, King Mohammed VI granted pardons to 761 people, the Moroccan Justice Ministry said in a statement.

While only 658 of the pardoned individuals are in prison, all 761 have been convicted by Moroccan courts for violating laws within the country, said a royal press statement.

Of those imprisoned, the King ordered the immediate cancellation of the sentences of 639 detainees. He also granted clemency to 14 prisoners serving life sentences. These inmates now have reduced sentences as a result of the Royal directive.



EU Must Put Pressure on Israel over Gaza War, Borrell Says

A displaced Palestinian woman carries her belongings as she flees Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip walk on the main Salah al-Din road on November 17, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
A displaced Palestinian woman carries her belongings as she flees Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip walk on the main Salah al-Din road on November 17, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
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EU Must Put Pressure on Israel over Gaza War, Borrell Says

A displaced Palestinian woman carries her belongings as she flees Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip walk on the main Salah al-Din road on November 17, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
A displaced Palestinian woman carries her belongings as she flees Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip walk on the main Salah al-Din road on November 17, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)

The European Union's top diplomat on Monday confirmed he would suggest to members of the bloc that the EU pauses its political dialogue with Israel, citing the country's conduct of the war in Gaza.

"Many people tried to stop the war in Gaza... this has not happened yet. And I don't see a hope for this to happen. That's why we have to put pressure on the Israeli government, and also, obviously on the Hamas side," Josep Borrell told journalists ahead of an EU meeting.

The European Union's foreign policy chief last week proposed that the bloc suspend its political dialogue with Israel, citing possible human rights violations in the war in Gaza, according to four diplomats and a letter seen by Reuters.

In a sign his proposal won't be welcomed by all EU members, Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp said the EU needed to uphold its dialogue with Israel.

"In the view of the Netherlands, this door should be kept open", he said.