Youssef Belhaissi, a 43-year-old state television journalist and government communications advisor in Morocco with 1,3 million followers, was identified by Spanish fact-checkers at Maldita as a digital catalyst for a social media chain exploded on July 30 in conjunction with a boom in arrivals, according to reporting by Alessandra Muglia.
The Social Media Post Linked to the Ceuta Migration Surge
Spanish fact-checking organization Maldita traced the spread of a digital chain to a post published on Belhaissi’s personal Facebook account with over 1,3 million followers, which coincided with a sharp increase in migrant arrivals, according to Muglia’s reporting. Belhaissi was among the first to relaunch a message stating, “Corte suprema spagnola: nessuna deportazione immediata per i migranti che nuotano verso Ceuta e Melilla.” According to the source analysis, that post omitted an essential part of the judges’ ruling of July 7: after landing, voluntary assisted repatriation or temporary detention is provided for the migrant. The partial information was shared and relaunched thousands of times online.
Did you know? Youssef Belhaissi, 43, has worked for over fifteen years in public TV.
From Public Broadcasting to Government Advisor
Belhaissi has legato his name for thirteen years to the public TV Medi1 TV, broadcasting from Tangier as a host of programs such as 90 min pour convaincre, as reported by Muglia. While critics characterized him as a pro-government journalist, a transmission belt of the palace, supporters viewed him as a professional of stability. The definitive confirmation of this vocation arrived when he dismissed the clothing of the host to wear those of communication advisor in the office of the head of government and then at the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights (Didh).
Legal Battles and Workplace Disputes at Medi1 TV
In July 2020, Belhaissi, who also held the role of union delegate, was dismissed in trunk by Medi1 TV, a move unions accused of being linked to his activism for workers’ rights, according to Muglia. Belhaissi chose the path of the courtroom. Moroccan justice gave him reason, condemning the broadcaster to a million-dollar compensation for abusive dismissal. Following the legal dispute, billionaire prime minister Aziz Akhannouch recovered him, offering him prestigious assignments after his dismissal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Youssef Belhaissi?
Youssef Belhaissi is 43 years old, has worked for 15 years in public TV, has 1,3 million followers, and is a friend of the premier: he is the voice of the establishment.
What role did Belhaissi play regarding the Ceuta migration crisis?
According to Spanish fact-checkers at Maldita, a post by Belhaissi on the migration crisis at Ceuta launched on his Facebook profile with over 1,3 million followers was identified as a digital catalyst of the social chain exploded on July 30 in conjunction with the boom in arrivals.
Which media outlets and institutions has Belhaissi worked with?
Belhaissi worked for thirteen years at Medi1 TV, is a journalist and host of the state TV Al-Oula (First Channel), and served as a communication advisor in the office of the head of government and then at the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights (Didh).
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