Moroccan Salafist Preacher Jailed for Criticizing Mosque Closures Amid Pandemic

Preacher Abou Naïm pays dearly for his scathing criticism of the decision to close mosques in order to curb the spread of coronavirus in the kingdom. He was sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of 2,000 DH.

On Tuesday, March 17, the security forces had arrested this sheikh who had harshly criticized the decision to close the mosques. In a video posted on his Facebook page, he accused the Moroccan authorities of apostasy, and called for civil disobedience.

In a statement, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) indicated that the preacher’s remarks "undermine public order" and constitute an "excommunication of the State and its institutions".