November 6, 2006
Source: BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6120324.stm
Morocco's state airline Royal Air Maroc has banned its staff praying at their offices and headquarters.
The company says that in the past its workers have abused the privilege of praying, by taking too much time away from their desks and their customers.
But the airline's workers as well as Islamist politicians say it is part of a crackdown on their religious freedom.
Praying is one of the five pillars of Islam and regarded as a crucial part of a Muslim's way of life.
The state airline, partly owned by the Moroccan royal family, is a great source of pride and prestige in the country. But this latest move threatens to exacerbate divisions in Morocco.