Le360
Moroccan digital news platform
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Le360 is a prominent Moroccan digital news platform established in 2013. Based in Casablanca, it publishes content in both French and Arabic. While it is one of the most visited news outlets in Morocco, it has been described by international media as a "defamation" outlet aligned with the state's security services.[1][2]
| |
Type of site | News website |
|---|---|
| Available in | French, Arabic |
| Headquarters | Casablanca, |
| Owner | Edit Holding |
| Founder | Aziz Daki |
| URL | fr |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Launched | 2013 |
| Current status | Active |
History and ownership
Le360 was launched in 2013 by Aziz Daki, an art critic and former director of the Mawazine music festival. The platform is owned by **Edit Holding**. According to reports by the French magazine TelQuel and newspaper Libération, the ownership structure has ties to Mounir Majidi, the personal secretary to King Mohammed VI.[3][1]
In 2016, the site expanded its reach by launching an Arabic version to compete with other major portals like Hespress.
Editorial line and controversies
Le360 has been characterized by observers as having an "ultranationalist" editorial line, often attacking perceived opponents of the Moroccan state.[2]
"Defamation Press" allegations
International media outlets, including Le Monde and Libération, have categorized Le360 as part of a "defamation press" ecosystem in Morocco. These outlets allege that the site is used to target dissidents and independent journalists through character assassination.[2][1]
Attacks on foreign leadership
In September 2023, during diplomatic tensions between Morocco and France, Le360 published articles attacking the private life of French president Emmanuel Macron, labeling him a "closeted homosexual". This coverage was widely reported and criticized by French media.[1] The Spanish newspaper El Confidencial has described Le360 as a "quasi-official" journal used to convey messages from the palace.[4]
Legal disputes
The platform has faced legal action in France. In 2016, Moroccan historian and activist Maâti Monjib filed a defamation lawsuit against Le360 in Paris following a series of articles attacking him and his family.[5]
