Morocco Arrests 18 for Spreading COVID-19 Misinformation, Including YouTuber and Preacher

In a press release published on Friday, March 20, 2020, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) announced the arrest of 18 people suspected of spreading false information about the Coronavirus. Youtuber Mi Naima and Salafist preacher Abou Naim are among the arrested individuals. One for denying the existence of COVID-19 in a video, and the other for criticizing the measure to close mosques to counter the spread of the virus.

The judicial police services of Fès, Inezgane, Azila, Benguerir and Oued Zem also carried out arrests. These various arrests are justified by the fact that the incriminated broadcasts are likely to create disturbances to public order and to install psychosis within the population.

Digital content disseminated on social networks, stating the non-existence of COVID-19, inciting non-compliance with the preventive measures taken by the kingdom, was detected by the central cell for computer monitoring of the DGSN. It was the meticulous technical expertise that allowed the identification of the persons involved in the preparation and dissemination of Fake News about the virus.

A repeat offender was arrested in the lot by the judicial police of El Jadida. He is accused of disseminating a video relating to a simulated contamination threat next to a citizen on the street.

To these arrests, we must add the arrests of 11 individuals by the judicial police of Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Jerada, El-Hajeb, Tiznit, Biougra and Meknes between Tuesday and Wednesday, for dissemination of Fake News on the Coronavirus.

The determination of the police and judicial authorities to curb the spread of Fake News on COVID-19 is evident for the achievement of the objectives of the fight.