French Broadcaster RMC Dismisses Algerian Columnist Over Derogatory Remarks Against Morocco

In a decisive move, French television channel RMC has terminated its association with Algerian columnist Mehdi Ghezzar following a series of inflammatory and racist remarks he made against Morocco on Algerian local television channel AL24. This action underscores RMC's commitment to upholding its values and dissociating itself from propagators of racism and misinformation.

Ghezzar, a contributor to RMC's show "Les Grandes Gueules," was dismissed after his comments, which included baseless accusations and derogatory comparisons, sparked widespread condemnation. The French channel issued a statement denouncing the remarks, asserting that they "do not correspond to the values of RMC and Les Grandes Gueules." The channel further clarified that Ghezzar's comments were made in a personal capacity and did not reflect the views of RMC or the show's hosts.

The incident has brought to light the ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria, with Algerian state-controlled media often serving as a platform for anti-Moroccan propaganda. Ghezzar's tirade, which included unsubstantiated claims about Morocco being a lawless and corrupt nation, was seen as a clear example of this trend. His remarks likened Morocco to "the Thailand of Africa," implying connections to illicit activities, and included allegations of drug trafficking, child abuse, and other heinous crimes, which were met with widespread disbelief and outrage.

Ghezzar's comments were also criticized for their lack of factual basis. His assertion that "over 50% of the Moroccan population is illiterate" was contradicted by evidence of significant improvements in the country's education system. The incident has raised concerns about the role of the media in fueling tensions between countries. While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it should not be used to spread hatred and misinformation.

RMC's decisive action is not merely about severing ties with a controversial figure; it is also a clear stand against the propagation of racism and misinformation. Ghezzar’s comments were not only offensive but also strategically aligned with the Algerian government’s ongoing media campaigns against Morocco. By utilizing media platforms to spread unsubstantiated claims, figures like Ghezzar contribute to a narrative that seeks to undermine Morocco’s reputation on the global stage.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the ethical use of media platforms. RMC's stance sends a strong message about the consequences of spreading hate speech and misinformation, reinforcing the need for accountability and integrity in media reporting.