Toronto — On 23 June 2003, Ali Lmrabet ended his 47-day hunger strike. The end of his hunger strike was announced by Prince Moulay Hicham al-Alaoui who had visited the editor that day. Ali Lmrabet had also been visited on 23 June by Morocco's official human rights body, the Human Rights Advisory Board.

Ali Lmrabet, editor of the newspapers Demain Magazine and Douman, was found guilty of "insulting the person of the king" and of committing an "offence against the monarchy" and "an offence against territorial integrity" on 12 May 2003 and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. The sentence was reduced to three years' imprisonment on appeal on 17 June 2003.

Following his hunger strike, Ali Lmrabet is extremely weak and is reportedly suffering from vision and kidney problems. International PEN is extremely concerned that he may not be receiving adequate medical attention.

International PEN calls upon the Moroccan authorities to release Ali Lmrabet immediately and unconditionally. PEN also calls upon the authorities to ensure that Ali Lmrabet receives the medical attention that he requires.

Please send appeals:

- Calling for the quashing of Ali Lmbaret's sentence and his immediate release; - Urging the Moroccan authorities to ensure that Ali Lmrabet receives adequate medical attention as a matter of urgency.

Appeals to:

King His Majesty King Muhammad VI The Royal Palace Rabat The Kingdom of Morocco Fax: +212 37 76 85 15

Prime Minister His Excellency Driss Jettou Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco Rabat Morocco Fax: +212 37 769 995

Justice Minister M. Mohamed BOUZOUBAA Ministre de Justice Ministère de la Justice Place Mamounia Rabat Morocco Fax: + 212 37 72 37 10

Human Rights Minister M. Mohamed AOUJAR Ministre des Droits de l'Homme Ministère des Droits de l'Homme 47 Avenue Ibn Sina Agdal Rabat Morocco Fax: + 212 37 67 19 67

For further details contact Sara Birch at the Writers in Prison Committee London Office: 9-10 Charterhouse Buildings, London EC1M 7AT UK Tel: + 44 (0) 20 72 53 32 26 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 72 53 57 11 e-mail: sbirch@wipcpen.org