Moroccan YouTuber Sentenced to Prison for Defaming Royal Prince

From the shadows to the light. From fame to downfall. Mustapha Semlali, 53, has a tumultuous life. In 2014, Allal Al Qadous had tried to unblock a clogged water pipe following the heavy rains that hit Rabat. The publication of the video of the scene on the web had become viral to the point that this public oven employee acquired notoriety. The traditional media made it their main focus. Overnight, he became known to the general public.

With his YouTube page "3alal l9adoss", he becomes an influencer. He shares his speeches on virility, his sports exercises, and his ideas in general. Each video accumulates thousands of views. Everything was going well until his life took a turn after the publication of a video in which Allah Al Qadous accused without proof Prince Moulay Rachid of having taken over the mineral water source "Ain Ifrane" in the Middle Atlas. He will be prosecuted for "attack on the monarchical institution" and "dissemination of false allegations intended to harm the private life of individuals, to defame them and to undermine a constitutional institution".

On July 8, the Moroccan justice rendered its verdict. Mustapha Semlali was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine of 5,000 dirhams.