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| - Jailed Moroccan journalist Omar Radi has suspended his three-week hunger strike due to a "significant deterioration" of his health, his father said Friday. Radi and fellow journalist Soulaimane Raissouni began hunger strikes earlier in April demanding to be provisionally released, having been held in detention for months awaiting a verdict on their cases. Radi, 34, decided to "temporarily suspend his hunger strike" due to "the significant deterioration of his health over the past two days", his father Driss Radi said on Facebook. Raissouni, on hunger strike for 23 days, continues his protest. Known for his human rights work, Radi was placed in pre-trial detention in July charged with receiving foreign funds for the purpose of harming "state security", the justice ministry said at the time. He is also accused separately of rape. He denies all charges, and "continues to defend his constitutional right to a fair trial", his father added. Radi's trial has been postponed twice, with the next hearing scheduled for May 18. Raissouni, chief editor of Moroccan independent daily Akhbar Al-Yaoum, faces charges of "indecent assault" against another man. He also denies all charges. Supporters allege the cases are part of a defamation campaign targeting journalists and rights activists critical of Moroccan authorities. The government denies the claims and has stressed the independence of the judiciary. ko/sof/pjm/lg
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