Rome, 28 April (LaPresse) – Moroccan authorities on Sunday expelled two Italian journalists after they attempted to enter the city of Laayoune illegally, in what officials described as a ‘provocative act’ that violated the country's regulations governing foreign visitors. This was reported in the Moroccan press. According to informed sources reported by the newspaper Hespress AR, journalist Matteo Garavoglia and photographer Giovanni Colmoni attempted to enter El Aaiún from the northern entrance in a private vehicle, without obtaining the necessary authorisation from the local authorities. The incident prompted the local authorities to intervene, stressing that respect for Morocco's national sovereignty is a red line that cannot be crossed under any pretext. The authorities reiterated that any violation is prosecuted in strict compliance with the country's laws. Sources told Hespress AR that the two journalists allegedly tried to use their professional position to promote separatist programmes. They were detained and subsequently taken by car to the city of Agadir.
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