Moroccan Activist Ibtissam Lachgar Sentenced to 2.5 Years

UPDATE: A Moroccan court has sentenced prominent feminist and LGBTQ2S+ activist Ibtissam Lachgar to two and a half years in prison and a US$5,000 fine for blasphemy, igniting outrage among human rights advocates worldwide. The ruling, delivered late on October 25, 2023, has alarmed activists and raised urgent concerns about freedom of speech in Morocco.

The court found Lachgar guilty of violating Morocco’s criminal code, which prohibits offending the monarchy or Islam. This decision stems from a selfie she shared online, in which she wore a T-shirt featuring controversial slogans. Her attorney, Naïma El Guellaf, confirmed the conviction and stated plans to appeal, emphasizing that the ruling threatens the very fabric of democratic expression in the country.

At the hearing, Lachgar, appearing visibly fatigued and wearing a headscarf, insisted she had no intention of offending Islam. She defended the T-shirt’s message as a political statement against sexism and violence toward women. “God is not only for Muslims, but also for Christians and Jews. I don’t see any offense to Islam in that publication,” lawyer El Guellaf argued in court.

The backlash from this case has been significant. Hamid Sikouk, a representative from the Moroccan Association of Human Rights, declared, “Not only is this verdict unjust, but it also threatens the freedom of speech and opinion.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many who view the ruling as a serious step backward for human rights in Morocco.

The T-shirt in question contained language that referred to the sexual identity of a deity and criticized Islam as “fascist and misogynistic.” Lachgar’s activism has long been provocative; she is a co-founder of the Alternative Movement for Individual Freedoms (MALI) and has been a fierce advocate for women and LGBTQ2S+ rights in Morocco.

Lachgar’s arrest has polarized public opinion in the kingdom. Some view the sentence as a justified response to perceived provocation, while others see it as a blatant violation of democratic freedoms. In Morocco, where same-sex relations are illegal and certain expressions can lead to criminal charges, her case highlights the ongoing struggle for rights and freedoms.

This latest ruling comes as Lachgar has long campaigned for the decriminalization of sex outside of marriage, which remains illegal. Her activism gained significant attention over a decade ago when she organized a demonstration in front of Morocco’s parliament, where couples publicly kissed to support two teenagers facing indecency charges for posting a photo of themselves kissing on Facebook.

As the appeal process unfolds, the implications of this case will be closely watched both within Morocco and internationally. Activists are urging global leaders to intervene and advocate for the protection of human rights in the region.

Authorities confirm that developments regarding Lachgar’s appeal will emerge in the coming weeks, making this a pivotal moment for freedom of expression in Morocco.

This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation continues to evolve.