Moroccan rapper Pause Flow placed in detention for his songs

Jawad Asradi, known by his stage name Pause Flow, was arrested last Wednesday, then presented the next day to the competent prosecutor’s office, which decided to prosecute him under arrest. On the same day, the rapper was brought before the court of first instance of Sefrou, which postponed his case to November 27.

According to a source close to the case, Asradi "is being prosecuted in connection with songs published on his official YouTube channel, including the song that has recently sparked controversy". "Pause Flow was questioned about the meaning of certain expressions used in 10 songs, including ’Marionnette’, ’Overdose’ and ’Doza’," the source said.

Pause Flow’s defense had requested his provisional release, arguing "that he is undergoing treatment for addiction". But the judge ordered his detention, pending his trial scheduled for next November 27.

The arrest of the rapper has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, especially among young people, reviving the debate on the limits of freedom of expression and the content of songs published on digital platforms in Morocco.