Morocco acts on human rights

King Mohammad of Morocco has announced the creation of a human rights ombudsman.

The announcement was delivered in a message read by his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, to mark international human rights day.

The prince said the new post was part of efforts to offer support to other bodies working to redress injustice and protect liberties.

On Saturday, the Moroccan Human Rights Association published the names of more than 40 senior officials and officers whom it accused of responsibility for the disappearance of political activists during the 1960's and 1970's.

It said it had proof of the involvement of those on the list in crimes of kidnapping, murder, arbitrary arrest and torture.

The group called on the justice ministry to take action against those named.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service