The detention of two outspoken government critics within days has reignited concerns over freedom of expression and the use of criminal laws against dissent.
Rabat, Morocco (Running Africa) — Morocco is facing renewed scrutiny over press freedom and freedom of expression following the arrests of veteran journalist Ali Lmrabet and rapper Mehdi Black Wind in separate incidents that have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and members of the country’s creative community.
The arrests have reignited debate over Morocco’s use of criminal defamation laws and other legal provisions against journalists, artists, and government critics.
Veteran Journalist Detained Over Defamation Complaints
Veteran journalist Ali Lmrabet, 66, was arrested after arriving at Tangier Airport on Sunday as prosecutors opened an investigation into multiple defamation and libel complaints linked to his online publications.
Authorities later released Lmrabet pending further investigation.
Lmrabet has long been one of Morocco’s most outspoken government critics. In 2003, he was imprisoned over articles that authorities deemed offensive to King Mohammed VI and was subsequently banned from practicing journalism in Morocco for 10 years.
Rapper Held in Pre-Trial Detention
Days after Lmrabet’s detention, rapper and documentary filmmaker El Mahdi Lyoubi, widely known by his stage name Mehdi Black Wind, was arrested at Casablanca Airport while attempting to board a flight to Marseille, France.
A Casablanca prosecutor ordered the artist into pre-trial detention, although authorities have not publicly disclosed the charges against him.
The lack of official information surrounding the case has prompted growing concern among rights advocates and members of Morocco’s arts community.
Rights Groups Call for Release
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights has called for Lyoubi’s immediate release, arguing that his detention raises serious concerns about freedom of expression.
More than 500 artists, musicians, and filmmakers have also signed a petition demanding the rapper’s release and urging authorities to protect artistic freedom.
The two high-profile arrests have intensified international attention on Morocco’s human rights record, with critics arguing that criminal defamation and related laws continue to be used to silence dissenting voices, while authorities maintain that legal action is taken in accordance with the country’s judicial process.
