Franco-Moroccan Journalist Ali Lmrabet Detained at Tanger Airport
On July 12, 2026, Franco-Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet was detained upon his arrival at Tanger Airport after traveling from Spain, as reported by his wife to the AFP. Known for his critical stance towards Moroccan authorities, Lmrabet faces allegations of "disseminating false information." The Moroccan public prosecutor's office did not respond immediately to requests for comments regarding the situation.
Lmrabet, 66, a prominent figure in independent Moroccan journalism who resides and works in Barcelona, had previously been barred from practicing journalism in Morocco from April 2005 to April 2015 due to a defamation conviction linked to comments about Sahrawi populations in Tindouf camps in Algeria. His previous work has often put him at odds with Moroccan authorities concerning the sensitive issue of Western Sahara.
According to his wife, Laura Feliu, Lmrabet informed her shortly after landing that he was being detained for allegedly spreading false information and undermining state institutions. He mentioned that there were "multiple search warrants" issued against him for these accusations. Reporters Without Borders confirmed that he is charged with the "alleged dissemination of false information affecting constitutional institutions." Following his detainment, Lmrabet was reportedly being transferred to Casablanca for questioning by the national brigade, with a court appearance scheduled for July 13.
Lmrabet had not returned to Morocco for several years, particularly after the passing of his father who lived there. Before his ban, he published the weeklies 'Demain Magazine' and 'Doumane' in Morocco, both of which were banned in 2003 following a trial for "insulting the king.” After serving a three-year prison sentence, he was released in early 2004 under a royal pardon.
As reported by information.tv5monde.com.
