Morocco releases 48 Spanish prisoners upon sovereign request

RABAT, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan king Mohammed VI ordered the release of 48 Spanish inmates sentenced by Moroccan courts, in response to a request by Spanish Monarch during his recent visit to the North African country, a statement by the royal palace's spokesperson said late Tuesday.

In response to the request by King Juan Carlos I of Spain during his visit to Morocco between July 14-18 and on the occasion of Throne Day (July 30), King Mohammed VI ordered the release of the 48 Spaniards, who are serving prison sentences in Morocco, the statement said.

Moroccan news agency reported that the Spanish monarch " expressed deep gratitude" during a telephone conversation to King Mohammed for the release of the prisoners, highlighting "the common interest of the two countries to further strengthen their bilateral relations in order to achieve the highest levels of progress."

According to Spanish diplomatic sources, there were 180 Spaniards imprisoned in Morocco, as of August 2012, mainly for drug offenses.

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