Morocco: 8 months in prison for a rapper after his YouTube videos

Souhaib Qabli, aged 23, will also have to pay a fine of 1,000 dirhams, or about 93 euros. According to information reported by the EFE news agency, this vocational training student belongs to the Islamist opposition movement Justice and Charity.

On Bladi.net: A Moroccan rapper arrested by the police, what he is accused of

The artist began his rap career in 2021. The accusations are based on several tracks published on his channel, which has a total of 165,000 views. His lyrics have historically supported the Palestinian cause, denounced the deterioration of public services, and strongly criticized police repression.

Two tracks in particular formed the basis of the prosecution: "We want to know", targeting the security services, and "No to normalization", criticizing Morocco’s rapprochement with Israel. However, the justice system has acquitted him of the charges of defamation and insulting public officials in the performance of their duties.

On Bladi.net: An MRE has a YouTuber "Mi Naima" convicted: Prison and a fine for the famous YouTuber

Diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel were officially restored in December 2020. This tripartite agreement, sponsored by the United States in exchange for American recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, continues to provoke strong opposition within local Islamist currents.