Moroccan Activist Jailed Over ’Donkey Meat’ Facebook Post Sparks Free Speech Debate

The human rights activist was arrested on Monday, July 21, 2025, by elements of the Royal Gendarmerie for having published on his Facebook page a video in which he claims to have discovered "donkey" bones in a neighborhood of Oued Amlil, in the province of Taza, causing panic among the population.

The arrest of the accused, who has resided in Spain for more than 20 years, follows complaints filed by owners of butchers and rotisseries in Oued Amlil, who accuse him of spreading false information aimed at the economy of the region.

The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) had reassured the population, confirming that these remains came from "bovine" bones and that they had been buried to avoid attracting stray dogs and the spread of bad odors in the vicinity.

Furthermore, his son called for the release of his father, who, according to him, was arrested while he had gone to the Royal Gendarmerie station in Oued Amlil to file a complaint against people who were threatening him.