Moroccan Lawyer Sentenced to 3 Years for Online Blasphemy and Defamation

In a "live" video that went viral on social media, a lawyer from the Rabat bar allegedly accused the head of the general delegation of prisons, the regional director of national security in Khémisset, army and gendarmerie officers, some local authorities and other senior officials of illicit enrichment or even drug trafficking. He also allegedly attacked the Muslim religion.

After watching this video, the targeted individuals filed a complaint against the man in a black robe. The latter was arrested and then placed in custody on the orders of the king’s prosecutor in Khemisset. What followed? He appeared before the court of first instance of Khemisset for insult, attack on the honor of personalities from constituted bodies, incitement to hatred and attack on the Muslim religion. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison and a fine of 20,000 DH. He is also required to pay 15,000 DH in compensation to each of the complainants.