Moroccan journalist in court for disparaging king

CASABLANCA, Aug 24 (Reuters) A Moroccan journalist who could be jailed for up to five years for showing disrespect for King Mohammed began his trial today saying he had done no wrong.

Current affairs magazine editor Ahmed Reda Benchemsi questioned the usefulness of elections next month in a country where the monarchy wields ultimate power.

Only a few days earlier, the king used his annual address to the North African nation to say he hoped parliamentary polls on September 7 would reinforce democracy and that he would oppose anyone who questioned their validity.

Officials seized Benchemsi's magazines, French language Tel Quel (As It Is) and Nichane (Forthright), in Arabic, which they said also contained articles showing disrespect for the Prophet Mohammed and damaging public morals and good manners.

''You are accused of disrespect for the King,'' the judge in Casablanca told Benchemsi before a court packed with journalists and rights activists.

Asked if he realised the country's constitution banned the king's subjects from discussing his annual address, Benchemsi replied that he did not discuss the speech, but analysed it.

The hearing was adjourned until August 31.

The trial has drawn an angry response from human rights and press freedom groups, which pointed to a series of crackdowns on independent titles as evidence a gradual loosening of strictures on the Moroccan press has gone into reverse.

It was the second time in a year that the government seized Nichane, whose irreverent tone and criticism of leading government figures has pushed the boundaries of free speech.

Morocco's press is viewed abroad as being among the Arab world's freest, but criticising the king, questioning his role as leader of Morocco's Muslims and calling into doubt Morocco's claim over the disputed territory of Western Sahara can still land a reporter in prison.

REUTERS AK BST0152