**Prominent Moroccan Journalist Ali Lmrabet Released from Custody**
Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet has been released from police custody three days after his arrest on defamation charges, according to a statement from the public prosecutor's office. Lmrabet, a notable figure in Morocco's independent press, was detained at Tangier airport upon his arrival from Spain, where he has resided for several years.
The 66-year-old journalist’s release on Wednesday followed significant public pressure from various media rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). These groups had advocated for his release, citing concerns over freedom of expression in Morocco.
Upon his release, Lmrabet emphasized his commitment to journalism, stating, “I only practice journalism. I don’t engage in politics. The fact that I practice independent journalism seems to bother a lot of people.” Despite his release, the public prosecutor noted that an investigation into Lmrabet remains active, focusing on allegations of “defamatory and insulting remarks against individuals and institutions.”
Lmrabet has a history of confrontations with Moroccan authorities over his journalistic work. He previously published two weekly publications, Demain Magazine and Doumane, both of which were banned in 2003 after he was convicted of insulting the king. Following this conviction, he served a three-year prison sentence but was released in early 2004 due to a royal pardon. Additionally, he faced a decade-long ban on practicing journalism in Morocco, which lasted from April 2005 to April 2015, stemming from a defamation conviction related to comments on the Western Sahara conflict.
The current political climate in Morocco has raised concerns among activists and journalists. Lmrabet's arrest and subsequent release come amid a backdrop of increasing scrutiny and repression of dissenting voices in the country. The recent emergence of a nationwide protest movement, primarily driven by younger generations, has further highlighted the tensions between the government and its critics.
In a separate but related incident, rapper and filmmaker Mehdi El Youbi was brought before a court in Casablanca on Wednesday. His supporters reported that he had been arrested on Monday night after being barred from returning to France, where he has lived since 2017. His arrest is believed to be linked to his politically charged lyrics and social media commentary. The situation has raised alarms about a potential crackdown on regime critics in Morocco, particularly in light of the ongoing protests calling for social reforms.
The Association of Maghrebi Workers in France issued a statement condemning the escalating repression, asserting that such actions should not be normalized. They emphasized the need for vigilance against increasing governmental control over dissent and the importance of protecting freedom of expression in Morocco.
As the investigation into Lmrabet continues, it remains uncertain whether he will be permitted to leave the country. His case, alongside that of El Youbi, underscores the challenges faced by journalists and activists in Morocco as they navigate a landscape marked by political tension and state repression.