Rally for El Mahdi Lyoubi's Freedom in Paris
On Sunday, July 19th at 7 PM at République in Paris, a gathering will take place to demand the immediate release of Moroccan filmmaker and rapper El Mahdi Lyoubi, also known as Mahdi Black Wind. Currently held in custody in Casablanca, Lyoubi faces charges of 'inciting criminal offenses,' a situation that has sparked significant concern among artists and activists alike.
On July 10th, Lyoubi was unexpectedly prevented from leaving Morocco at the airport without any explanation. Following a summons to the Casablanca judicial police at 9 AM on Monday, he was placed in custody later that evening at 9 PM. He is scheduled to appear before the prosecutor this Wednesday at 9 AM, potentially without legal representation, as lawyers in Morocco are currently on strike, raising further alarm about his right to a fair trial.
This arrest occurs amidst an alarming trend of increased repression against freedom of expression in Morocco, coinciding with the detention of journalist Ali Lmrabet and the distributor Zineb Kharroubi in recent months. The call for Lyoubi's immediate release reflects a broader outcry against the arbitrary detention of artists and the stifling of dissent in the country.
Sud Culture has joined over 500 signatories in support of El Mahdi Lyoubi, condemning his arbitrary detention since July 13th. In a collective statement, artists, musicians, and cinema professionals have united to demand his release, highlighting that his current situation is emblematic of a troubling trend affecting countless artists in Morocco.
For more information, you can read the published statement on Médiapart here. Additionally, stay updated by following the Instagram page here.
As reported by sud-culture.org.
Join the Movement to Free El Mahdi Lyoubi
The hashtags #FREEMAHDI and #FREEBLACKWIND are being used across social media platforms to raise awareness and mobilize support for Lyoubi. As the movement gains momentum, it is crucial for individuals to share information, participate in rallies, and remain vigilant in the fight for freedom of expression in Morocco.
