Moroccan YouTuber Jailed for 4 Years, Channel Shut Down Amid Controversy

31 December 2024 – bySaid@Bladi · 1 min read

Aïcha Sraidi, a controversial figure on the Moroccan web, better known by her pseudonym "Houyam Star", has been sentenced to four years in prison by the criminal court of first instance in Aïn Sebaâ. Her husband, Mohammed El Kahlaoui, has also been sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of 500 dirhams.

The case began following several complaints denouncing the YouTuber’s behavior on social networks. Her appearances in "indecent" clothing, her insulting and defamatory remarks, as well as the physical violence inflicted on her own children, have caused outrage. Aïcha Sraidi was also accused of blasphemy and apostasy for having renounced Islam and declared her adherence to Christianity.

The court also ordered the closure of the "Houyam Star" YouTube channel.

While the claims of two associations were deemed inadmissible on a civil level, Aïcha Sraidi and her husband were ordered to jointly pay a compensation of 100,000 dirhams to B.M. and T.E.H., each representing their children.

Category: Morocco

Keywords:

Trial Prison YouTube