Morocco's monarch has pardoned a journalist convicted of allegedly having had an abortion, which is illegal in the North African country along with pre-marital sex.
A Justice Ministry statement Wednesday said the pardon for Hajar Raissouni and others convicted in the case reflects King Mohammed VI's "compassion and mercy."
Raissouni, 28, who denies having undergone an abortion, was sentenced last month to a year in prison along with the Sudanese man she calls her husband under Islamic law. The doctor allegedly involved was handed a two-year term.
The statement said the king's pardon derived from his wish "to preserve the future of the two fiances."
The case attracted the ire of activists and sparked debate, with many seeing it as a blow to women's rights.