Moroccan Activist Jailed for 4 Years Over Social Media Posts Criticizing King

Ablaq, 35, is accused of having "shown disrespect for the supreme constitutional institution of the kingdom (the king) by electronic means." Under Article 179 of the Moroccan Penal Code, he was sentenced to four years in prison and a fine of 20,000 dirhams (1,879 euros), EFE reports.

To read: Moroccan YouTuber Sentenced to 4 Years for Insulting King and Citizens

According to his lawyer, Abdelmajid Azeriah, Ablaq was tried for criticizing the monarch’s management through several posts on Facebook and YouTube. Posts that denounced corruption in the kingdom, which, the lawyer believes, must be fought at all levels, "even at the royal palace." The Rif activist and his lawyer said they will appeal this decision, which they consider "contrary to freedom of expression."

To read: Human Rights Watch Urges Morocco to Drop Charges Against Activist for Criticizing King

Last Tuesday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Morocco to drop the charges against Ablaq, who is one of the leaders of the Hirak movement in the Rif in 2017. He had been arrested and sentenced the same year to five years in prison for "defamation" and "usurpation of the title of journalist." In 2020, he was granted a royal pardon and released after several hunger strikes in prison.