Activist jailed in Morocco for alleged disparagement of Islam according to feminist views
In a recent development, Moroccan feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar found herself in legal trouble after a controversial social media post. The public prosecutor in Rabat initiated an investigation following the publication of a photo on social media that was deemed offensive to Islam.
Lachgar, known for her provocative actions challenging religious and social norms, was placed in police custody pending inquiries by the judicial authorities. The detainment was announced by the prosecutor's office on August 12.
The offense Lachgar is being prosecuted for involves offending the Muslim religion. The post in question featured a photo of Lachgar wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "Allah is lesbian." The post also included text describing Islam as "fascist, phallocentric, and misogynistic."
Under the Moroccan Penal Code, offenses against the Muslim religion are punishable. Article 267-5 of the code punishes anyone who offends the Muslim religion with a prison sentence ranging from six months to two years. However, if the offense is committed in public, including electronically, the penalty can be increased to five years imprisonment.
The detainment of Lachgar has sparked calls from fellow activists and organizations urging respect for freedom of expression and warning against censorship in Morocco. Human rights defenders have criticized the Moroccan Penal Code for its restrictive nature towards freedom of expression.
The date of Lachgar's trial is currently unknown. Lachgar, who is 50 years old, has faced criticism and threats from conservative groups in the past for her public demonstrations.
This case serves as a reminder of the active enforcement of Morocco's blasphemy law, which aims to protect religious sentiments and the state's symbols, including the monarchy. The law extends to public and electronic communication, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to 500,000 dirhams.
- In light of the ongoing case against Ibtissame Lachgar, discussions about the intersection of science, health-and-wellness, and women's health are being overshadowed, as the focus has shifted to the controversial social media post that led to her arrest.
- Advocates for sexual health and reproductive rights express concern regarding the impact of the Moroccan Penal Code, which punishment for offending religious sentiments, on open discourse about various health issues, particularly those affecting women.
